
GIass_J:i_L£J3_ 
Book__E^iii:: 



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flISTOEY OP 

EMMITSBUEG, MD. 




JAMES A. HELMAN 



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/ 

HISTORY OF 

EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND, 



WITH A PEELUDE OF HISTORICAL FACTS OF FEEDERICK 

COUxXTY, AND A ROMANCE ENTITLED DISAPPOINTED, 

OR THE RECLUSE OF HUCKLE'S FIELD. 



BY 
JAMES A. HELMAN, 
1906. 









CITIZEN I'KKSS, 
l'M{Kl)KI!I(K, MAKI LAN' 1) 






TO THE PUBLIC. 



THIS book makes no pretention to be classical. 
It merely tells the time, circumstances and people 
connected with this community, in which all are in- 
terested. It starts with the earliest records regardless of 
personality or religion, as far back as 1734 accurately, and 
follows these people as they cut the forest and till the soil, 
build towns, make laws, and pass away. No personal his- 
tory is named save the Emmit family as a whole, this is 
due the founder of the town. All the churches are histor- 
ically spoken of, so far as the information could be ob- 
tained. Let none feel slighted if their name is not in the 
.book. The enterprises from 1785 to the present are in full. 
Some of the olden tombstones are copied, to show the place 
of burial of the early settlers. Receive the book for just 
what it claims for itself, nothing more. 



To wnte the histor>- of the world, we commence at 
Adam. To wnte tlie histon- of the United States, we 
begin at its di>cover>- by Columbus and the landiucr of 
the Pilgnms at Plymouth. But to write a histon- of a 
state, count>-, or communitA", we are perplexed with various 
tradiDons that confront us, therefore we ask, who were the 
early settlers, and where did they come from, what induced 
them to settle where they did and the results ? \Mio were 
the people? the pioneei? that settled in Frederick County 
MaT>-land. They were Germans, the all-important factor 
m the development of this count>-. Thev brought indu^- 
tr>-, art, mteUigence, perseverance. Thev brought school 
masters, who instilled into the children the principle^ of 
chnstianm-; they turned the wilderness of Frederick 
Count>- from 1735 to a productive land; that it still holds 
the honor of being the most productive wheat cTowincr 
county, not only in the State, but in the United^States* 
This honor was awarded Frederick Countv in i -90 It still 
holds it ' ' 

The first German settlers in Man-land were anionost the 
Dutch and French Labodists, on Bohemia Manor "cecil 
then Baltimore Count>-, in 1661. This settlement was 
prior to the coming of William Penn's Gennan Onakei^, 
1720. They scattered and mixed amongst the other settle- 
ments in Mar>-land and Delaware. Daniel Partorious in 
1684 founded Gennantown. For manv vears Genuantown 
was the rendezvous of German refugees fleeing from perse- 
cution, which devestated portions of Gennanv. From 
Germantown, this centre of emigration, thev spread over 
Southern Pennsylvania to Lancaster, Vork and Adams 
County. Many of these finding their wav into MarN'land 



and Virginia. In 17 14 twelve German families of fifty 
persons settled on the Rappahanock river, Va., near Frede- 
ricksburg. Others followed in 1730. Some had crossed 
the mountains into Shenandoah and Rockingham counties. 
These in turn were reinforced by Germans from the Penn- 
sylvania settlements. By 1743 there were a number of 
flourishing German settlements in the Valley of Virginia. 
In 1748, when George Washington surveyed the lands of 
Virginia, he met men, women and children who followed 
him through the woods, who spoke German only. 

These Virginia settlements were in regular communica- 
tion with the settlements in Pennsylvania. We now have 
grounds to base the people and their nationality upon. 

The reports of good land naturally enthused the new 
emigrants, and they were induced to follow on the trail 
the early pioneers had taken. The route of travel from 
Germantown to Lancaster on to the Virginia settlements 
was over an old Indian trail, for pack horse travel and mis- 
sionaries, extending through York and Adams county. Pa., 
into Maryland, stopping at a point on the Monocacy river, 
where in 1734 they erected the first church in the county. 
From here they pushed on to the Potomac, crossing the 
Blue South Mountains through Crampton's Gap. On this 
route in 1729 the first German families drifted into Mary- 
land. One report says as early as 17 10 or 1712. They 
settled near Monocacy, and between 1732 and 1734 built 
the first German church in Maryland. It was situated on 
west side of the river, ten miles above where Frederick- 
town was laid out. Within fifty years, the recollections by a 
few, of the spot, could still be pointed out and indications 
of the burying place of these pioneers. Sad to relate, all 
evidence has been destroyed by the hungry and heartless 
seeker after gold, and that which would be as Plymouth 
Rock to the Germans has passed into tradition more than 
history. In 1739, by order of the Lancaster County Court, 
a road was built from Wright's Ferry (Wrightsville) to the 
Maryland line, a distance of thirty-five miles, and thence 
by an act of the Maryland Assembly, it was continutd to 



the Potomac river. This road followed substantially the 
old Indian trail, and for many years was known as Monoc- 
acy road. It was on this great highway from east to south 
and southwest, over which in 1755, 150 wagons and 200 
pack horses, secured in Pennsylvania by Benjamin Frank- 
lin, the first Postmaster General, transported their goods to 
Camp Frederick, where a part of the army was collected 
preparatory to the campaign of Braddock. It is said at 
this camp Washington and Franklin met for the first time. 
This was the route the British prisoners, captured during the 
Revolutionary war, were taken to the barracks at Frederick- 
town and Winchester, Va.; also the route used by General 
Wayne with his 900 patriots on the way to Yorktown. 

In 1732 Lord Fairfax made an effort to direct German 
emigration to Virginia. The Governor ceded a tract of 
25,000 acres to John Hite, a German, and Jacob Van Meeter, 
a Dutchman, on condition they would settle 200 German 
families on these lands. Hite and Van Meeter traveled 
through Pennsylvania and New Jersey in search of Ger- 
mans, and directed them by the Monocacy road to Virginia. 
Lord Baltimore, not to be outdone by the Governor of 
Virginia, in 1732 offered 200 acres of land in fee, subject to 
a rent of four shillings sterling per year, payable at the end 
of three years, for every 100 acres, to any person having a 
family, who would within three years actually settle on the 
lands between the river Monocacy and the Susquehanna, 
and to each single person between the ages of fifteen and 
thirty years, one hundred acres. On same terms, with as- 
surance, these shall be as well secured in their liberty and 
property in Maryland as in any part of the British planta- 
tions in America, without exception. 

LATE INFORMATION OF MONOCACY SETTLEMENT. 

It was a short distance southeast of Creagerstown. The 
river crossing was at Poe's fording, which has not been used 
for over a century. 

There are other and earlier references to this place. As 
early as 1729 Charles Carroll, the elder, located a tract of 



io,ooo acres of land on Pipe creek, Conawago and Cadorus 
creeks, lying in York and Adams County, Pa., all claimed 
by the Maryland authorities to be in this province. In 
1732 Mr. Carroll in company with Mr. Ross visited these 
lands to inform themselves how to finish a surve\'. He re- 
fers in his complaint to a certain John Tradane, a Mary- 
lander, and a resident of Monochasie. 

In Kerchivol's history of the settlement in Virginia Val- 
ley, it is stated that among the early settlers there was 
Benjamin Allen, Riley Moore and William White, who 
had come from Monocacy, in Maryland, in 1734. These 
facts show that as early as 1732 and 1734 Monocacy was a 
place of some prominence. Although it never reached the 
dignity of a town, it would seem that as late as 1747 it pos- 
sessed better accommodations for strangers than did Fred- 
ericktown. On neither visits did Schlatter and Muhlcn- 
burg to Frederick induce them to remain over night; they 
returned to Monocacy. It was such a village as one sees 
today in sparsely settled countries, containing perhaps a 
public house, a store, a few dwellings and church nearby, 
where the people for miles congregate. 

The Conewaga settlement first mentioned was near Han- 
over. A Lutheran church was organized May, 1743, by 
Rev. David Chandler of York, who in the same year, 1743, 
organized the Lutheran church at Monocacy, and served 
till his death the following year, when Rev. Lars Nyburg 
became the pastor of both congregations. 

The site of the log meeting house at Conewago, where 
Mr. Schlatter preached in May, 1747, is now covered by 
Christ's German Reformed church, a short distance from 
Littlestown, at the time Mr. Schley (the ancestor of Com- 
modore Winfield Scott Schley) was schoolmaster at Fred- 
erick and Monocacy to the Reforms. Mr. Otto Rudolph 
Crecelius was acting in same capacity for the Lutheran at 
the same places. 

In 1781 an act of Congress directed that the British pris- 
oners confined at the barracks in Frederick and Winchester 
should be removed to York, Pa., from fear of rescue by 



Cornwallis. Twenty acres of wood land was cleared and 
cultivated by the prisoners. Huts, mostly of stone, were 
erected and surmounted by a picket fence fifteen feet high. 
Whilst there a plague broke out amongst them — a thousand 
prisoners died. 

The first settlement in York County was on Kratz creek 
where Hanover now stands; before that Lancaster County. 
In 1729 people resided on tract of land, on west side of Sus- 
quehanna, within the bounds of York County. These per- 
sons remained however but a short time on land, on which 
they had squatted. They were known as Maryland squat- 
ters, and were removed the latter part of 1728 by order of 
Deputy Governor of Council, at the request of the Indians. 

In 1722 warrants were issued for a survey of a manor to 
Lord Baltimore. John Diggs, a resident of Prince George 
County, Md., obtained a warrant for 10,000 acres, known 
as Diggs' Chance, in the neighborhood of the present Han- 
over. Maryland at this time claimed the land to the Sus- 
quehanna. 

1727 and 1729 are the earliest dates Maryland patents are 
known. 1746 the earliest I can find for this immediate vi- 
cinity to George Smith, Cattail Branch, west. 

The earliest settlers under Maryland grants and leases, 
along the Susquehanna, were Irish and Scotch, but these 
were soon followed by large numbers of Germans, who for ' 
the most part settled on Kratz creek. In 1729 the Penn- 
sylvania authorities issued warrants for land on the west 
side of Susquehanna, and took measures to resist by force 
the attempt of Marylanders to survey and grant warrants 
for land in this section. This brought on a conflict. For 
years great disorder prevailed, resulting in bloodshed at 
times. 

By an act of 1748 creating Frederick County, the com- 
missioners appointed were authorized to purchase three 
acres of land in or near Fredericktown whereon to erect a 
court house and prison, they purchased from Mr. Dulaney 
in Frederick six lots, numbered 'jt^ to 78, 62 feet by 379 
from Church street to Second. Price paid eighteen pounds. 



10 

Work was commenced at once. It was nearly completed 
when the French and Indian war broke out, which caused 
the work to cease; it was not completed till 1756. It was 
one and a-half stories hig-h — wood. It stood until 1785 
when a new one was erected, after the court house in Dub- 
lin, Ireland. It stood until 1861 when it was destroyed by 
fire. The first jail, a rude structure, stood near the resi- 
dence of Mr. Ross, the whipping post on the southeast cor- 
ner of lot opposite present Central National Bank. Before 
the first court house was erected court was held in the log 
church of the German Reformed congregation on Patrick 
street; they were also held for a time at Mrs. Charlton's 
tavern southwest corner Market and Patrick streets. 

A memorial of the case of the German emigrants settled 
in the British colonies of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Vir- 
ginia, published in London, 1754. 

"By the most authentic accounts, for many years last 
past very large numbers of Germans have transported them- 
selves into these British provinces of North America, the 
greatest part of them from Switzerland and the Palatinate, 
many from Wurtemburgand other places along the Rhine. 
Some few lately from lower Saxony, above thirty thousand, 
within the last ten years, and in 1750 more than ten 
thousand. 

"The cause of their removal from their native countries 
were various. Some of them fled from the severe persecu- 
tion they were exposed to, at home, on account of their 
religion, others from the oppressions of civil tyranny, and 
attracted by the i)leasing hopes of liberty under the milder 
influence of the British government, others were drawn by 
the solicitations of their countrymen, who had settled there 
before them. But for the greatest part, by the prospects 
they had of retrieving themselves under their deep poverty, 
and providing better for themselves and their fauiilies in 
the provinces to which they respectively retired." 

These men were mostly trained mechanics, masons, car- 
penters, vine dressers, hatters, bakers, shoemakers, tailors, 
butchers, blacksmiths, millers, tanners, weavers, coopers. 



11 

saddlers, potters, tinners, brick makers. With such a force 
newly installed in the colonies, nothing but progress was 
to be thought of; and adding the agricultural trend of these 
people, the timbers fell, and houses were erected, the land 
tilled, and plenty was the reward, with peace reigning in 
every locality. 

The Germans on their way from Pennsylvania to Vir- 
ginia seeing the rich lands of Frederick County, Md., offered 
them on such terms, a rental of one cent an acre per annum, 
did not proceed further. In a few years the prosperity of 
these people was an assured thing, and the Monocacy set- 
tlement was the result. From then they spread out west 
and south. The church at Monococy for years was their 
meeting place. What a halo of German thought concen- 
trated here. New comers were received with open arms. 
News from the fatherland eagerly sought, then the social 
life unfettered by officials. 

They were Reformed and Lutheran, scattered for miles 
in the county, including the settlement at Fredericktown, 
all worshiping in this log church, until the congregation 
determined to move to Fredericktown in 1745. 

We can now with assurance state from where the early 
settlers came. 

The earliest patents on the records are 1746, although 
many of these pioneers took possession of land and entered 
it in the clerk's land office at Annapolis, they did not re- 
ceive their patents for some time. Jonathan Hays and 
Dulaney came from Philadelphia in 1730 and entered land. 
Hays the farm now W. Moser's, there he died, and is buried 
on the farm. 

The Biggs land was entered at same time. Mr. Hays 
found vacant land between him and Benjamin Biggs. He 
made arrangements to ride to Annapolis on a certain day 
and enter up this vacant strip. Biggs started a day ahead 
and entered the vacant land, it has been called Benjamin's 
Good Luck ever since. Johathan Hays is the ancestor of 
the Hays family here. The first patent on record in this 
vicinity is to George Smith, March 21st, 1746, for 500 acres, 



12 

now the land of Ohler, Eckard, Hockensmith and others. 
He was born 1720, died 1793. The survey is called Cattail 
Branch. He was the father of eleven children, four boys 
and seven girls. His son John was sergeant in Capt. Wm. 
Blair's Game Cock Company in the Revolutionary war. 
He had two sons-in-law in the same company, John Crabbs, 
corporal, and Jacob Hockensmith, ensign. George Sheets 
settled where Sells' mill stands and built a mill. His son 
Jacob joined Washington when he passed through Taney- 
town; he returned safe. Conducting a mill till his death, 
he is buried in Lutheran cemetery in Taneytown. All the 
Sheets families east of town are his descendants. David 
Banner settled at Bridgeport, where Correll lived. He is 
the head of the Banner family. His tomb is the oldest in 
the community, 1768. George Hockensmith settled on the 
Albert Maxell farm, embracing the lands of B. S. Gillelan, 
Row and Samuel Ohler, a large tract; he is the ancestor of 
that name here. George Row settled on the land now 
Zimmerman's; he left a large family; all the Row connec- 
tions descend from him. His son Arthur was a corporal in 
Blair's Game Cock Company. Arthur lived and died on 
the farm now owned by John Allison. 

vSluss settled on the farm now Hawk's. The foregoing 
as well as the Crabbs, Ohlers, Nickumcs and others in that 
locality are supposed to have come together in 1746. In 
the year 1757 another company arrived. Amongst this 
Zacharias, who took out a patent in 1757; Christian Keefer; 
also Biggs' survey. Samuel Emmit took out a patent for 
2,250 acres May 17th, 1757. William Shields came at same 
time. Emmit's lands extended from Middle creek, follow- 
ing Tom's creek to Friend's creek, then north into Penn- 
sylvania and east, making near four miles square, including 
Carroll's tract. The McBivitt mill derived its name, Car- 
roll mill, this way. 

William Shields, Samuel Carrack and Lilly had taken 
up a large tract. In the division Carrack got west of 
Tom's creek, including the Knob thereby getting its name 
Carrack's Knob. Shields in the division got land further 



1.3 

west; he is buried on part of his land back of G. Grinder's 
house. Lilly elsewhere. 

On May 27th, 1777, Christian Keefer sold to Peter 
Troxell of LeHigh County, Pennsylvania, 479 acres for 
2,500 pounds, in cash sterling (his father coming to the 
colonies in 1773), the present lands of Charles Keilholtz, 
J. W. Troxell and others; Mathias Martin, son-in-law of 
Peter Troxell, bought at the same time, 1777, the farm now 
Samuel Troxell' s. James Martin, N. C. Stanbury, John 
Troxell, son of Peter, at same time, 1777, the lands of 
Charles McCarren and Welty. He built a mill in 1777 or 
1779. 

In Pennsylvania the early settlers were Cochrans, Over- 
holtzers, Bakers, Zimmermans, Bollingers, Clarks, Patter- 
sons, Eikers, Bighams, Weikends, Browns, Stevensons. 
These pioneers were influenced by the inducement offered 
by Virginia and Maryland. In 1746 Rev. M. Schlatter 
was sent by the Reformed church of Holland as a mission- 
ary to the Duch Reformed church of Frederick County, 
Maryland. 

In 1746 a number of Moravians settled at Graceham, 
where they have sustained a church ever since, the only 
one in the State. These settlers came in colonies, fre- 
quently from the .same provinces in Germany. Would 
locate near a stream, or build near a spring; their accom- 
modations were limited to overhanging trees, a covered 
wagon, or tent, until a log house could be erected. Some 
of the early residences in this locality are still remembered 
by the older persons living. The hardships of the eastern 
emigrants along the rock-bound coast was not greater than 
in this county. The winters were long and cold, the com- 
forts few; Indians roamed these hills and valleys, the many 
streams in this locality were a fascination for them, and 
hard to part with as the incomers encroached upon them. 
The tribe was the Susquehannahs, a warlike tribe. The 
last camp fire, tradition tells us, was on the Gilson farm, 
where they had a burial place. When the tribe departed 
they had an old blind and sick chief, too sick to go with 



14 

the tribe. A young buck was instructed to remain with 
him until he died, bury him, then follow after. After they 
had gone one day he killed the old man, buried him, and 
followed on after the tribe. Few families bearing the 
names of the early settlers remain. In the lists attached 
to each cemetery will be given the earlier interments, save 
those whose graves are not marked. 

The earliest authentic is that of William Elder and wife 
who came from St. Mary's County in 1739, settling where / V-i S?' 
Zentz now lives. His wife died the same y ear j;;^-,' Having 
no lumber to construct a coffin, they hollowed out a log, 
which was used instead. Some years after he removed to 
the farm known as Clairvoux, taking his wife's remains 
with him, burying her on the farm, where her tombstone 
can be seen today, although Bishop Elder erected a new 
one lately. 

Krise first settled where Baltimore street now is in Bal- 
timore; he did not like a sand farm and left, going to 
Rocky Ridge; settling on the farm now owned by Barrick. 
His son, who married Elizabeth Troxell, took up the land 
owned by E. F. Krise. The land called Brotherly Love 
was patented by Jonothan Hays in 1757, now owned by W. 
Moser. The land owned by C. T. Zacharias, called Mon- 
dolar and Single Delight, Peter Troxell's as Diggs' Lot, 
and Benjamin's Good Liick; the Shields' tract as Caroline, 
Sugar Camp, Walnut Bottom; George Row's tract, French 
Purchase. 

The land north of town called Dothan's Chance, east as 
Silver Fancy, south as Buck's Forrest. 

The survey of Mason and Dixon's line commenced De- 
cember 7th, 1763, finished January 9th. 1768. 

The following is the line from Monocacy to Friend's 
creek 1765, August 26, at Monocacy, ']■}) miles 58:chains; 
cross IMarsh creek, McKinley's house, 80 miles 21 chains; 
77 stone falling in Marsh creek 125 yards of true place, 82 
miles 66 chains, Mathew Elder's house 52 chains south; 
August 29, 84 miles 41 chains, cross Flat)run; 85|miles, 
James Stevenson's house; 86 miles, William Bowers's house; 



15 

86 miles cross Tom's creek at foot of South Mountain; 86 
miles, 76 chains, Phineas Davidson's house; 87 miles 76 
chains cross Friends' creek, South Mountain; 88 miles, 
John Cohorn's house. 

Whilst the French and Indian war was in progress, re- 
cruitinj( officers went into the harvest field, took two men 
from alono- Monocacy, and both men were killed in Brad- 
dock's defeat. During one of the Indian raids through this 
section Alexander McKeseay, near Enimitsburg, was stand- 
ing in his door, was shot and killed. A Mr. William 
House in this county was attacked and twelve of his family 
were killed. 

After the defeat of Braddock many bands of Indians 
roamed over the western part of Maryland, penetrating 
quiet settlements and alarming the people, they fleeing by 
night, some to Frederick others to Fort Cumberland. In 
1756 Washington said but two families in the whole settle- 
ment of Conecocheague, Md., remained. This year Wash- 
ington advised the people between Conecocheague and 
Fredericktown to assemble, which the}^ did. With Col. 
Cresup at the head of one hundred men of courage, known 
as the Red Caps, they overthrew the Indians and killed 
some of them. All along the Monocacy the people fled, 
fearing the red skins. Armed citizens drove the Indians 
out. The trials of that age can only be imagined, the re- 
alities were shocking, any catastrophe could be expected; 
the people lived in hourly dread, not knowing when they 
would be murdered or carried away as captives. The fore- 
going and the following is told to impress the perilous and 
uncertain crisis through which the colonies were passing, 
for it was in the beginning of the formative period. 

At this time the Stamp Act was causing the people to 
rebel. It was as much hated as were the Indians. The 
same brave men who punished the Indians now assembled 
to resist the Stamp Act. 

At Annapolis, Md., a merchant of that town, Zacharias 
Hood, brought with him from England a cargo of goods, 
together with the obnoxious stamps. When he arrived at 



16 

Annapolis the ferment reached its height. The people gath- 
ered in crowds at the dock and an outbreak ensued, in 
which one of the number had his leg broken. Hood was 
compelled to draw off from the shore and land elsewhere. 

The effigy of a stamp distributor was mounted on a one- 
horse cart, with sheet of paper in his hands, and paraded 
through the streets amid execrations of the crowd, while 
bells tolled a solemn knell, the procession marching to the 
hill, tied the effigy to the whipping post, and bestowed 
upon it thirty-nine lashes, which the crowd humorously 
called giving the Mosaic law to the Stamp Act. It was 
then hung upon a gibbet erected for the purpose, a tar 
barrel placed under it, and set on fire. It ignited and fell 
into the blaze and was consumed. Similar was the exhi- 
bition at Baltimore and Fredericktown. Hood's punish- 
ment did not stop with his degredation. No one would 
buy his goods. The populace threatened to tear down his 
house. At last they threatened him with personal ven- 
geance; he fled from the province. Did not stop until he 
reached New York; the people determined no stamp officer 
should escape; he was seized and given the alternative of 
resigning his office or being conducted back to I\Iar\land; 
he yielded and was set at liberty. 

While the two Houses at Annapolis were disputing 
whether they would pay the claims of all equally deserving, 
whose demands had been included in the bill, the lower 
House agreed to all but the clerks of the council, and re- 
fused to separate the journal. In the meantime all claims 
were postponed. The people in the western part of the 
State were interested, and there the deepest feeling was 
aroused. At Fredericktown they gathered in force, 400 
men armed, with rifles and tomahawks, proceeded to declare 
their intention to march to Annapolis and settle the dispute 
between them. It was an exciting time in the colonies. 
The spirit of 1776 was in the people, although that time 
had not arrived. 

The Frederick County court had the high honor of first 
deciding in a legal manner the unconstitutionality of the 



. 11 

Stamp Act. This decision was received with joy, and the 
people hastened to celebrate so important an event. A fes- 
tival took place in Fredericktown on November 30th, 1765. 
The Sons of Liberty in funeral procession, in honor of the 
death of the Stamp Act, marched through the streets bear- 
ing a coffin, on which was inscribed, ''The Stamp Act 
expired of a mortal stab from the genius of liberty in Fred- 
erick County Court November, 1765, aged 22 days." The 
late Zacharias Hood was chief mourner in effigy ; the whole 
affair ended merrily in a ball. 

The foregoing has been related to show the time our an- 
cestors passed through; the excitement, the deprivation, 
the anxiety that awaited them at every turning point of 
Frederick County history. In the adjoining county of 
Adams, Pa. , the early settlers were Irish and Scotch-Irish, 
with a small minority of Germans. 

A meeting convened at the old school house, not far fr(>m 
the mill built by John Troxell in 1778 on Toms' creek, 
Sunday, August 28th, 1770. The meeting was largely at- 
tended by the old inhabitants, who were deeply impressed 
by the situation. There were present on that occasion Wil- 
liam Blair (old Scotch descent), James Shields, Sr., William 
Shields, Charles Robinson, Patrick Haney, Robert Brown, 
Henry Hockensmith, Rudolf Need, Thomas Hughs, Thos. 
Martin, William Elder (son of Guy), Samuel Westfall, 
Moses Kenedy, Alexander Stewart, William Curren, Jr., 
Charles Carroll, Octavius S. Taney, Philip Weller, Daniel 
Morrison, Wm. Koontz, Christian Hoover, John Smith, 
Daniel McLean, John Farris, John Long, Arthur Row, John 
Crabbs, George Ovelman, Jacob Valentine, Wm. Munroe, 
Moses Ambrose, George Kelly, Walter Dulaney, Homer J. 
Bowie, James Park, Robert Agnew, John Carrick, Fred- 
erick Troxell, Dominick Bradley, William Brawner, Henry 
Brooks and others. It was agreed by a show of hands that 
Wm. Blair should be called to the chair, and John Farris 
appointed secretary of the meeting. The meeting was then 
addressed by Walter Dulaney and W. Elder (of Guy), who 
concluded by offering the following resolutions : 



Resolved by the inhabitants of Toms' creek, Frederick 
County, in the province of Maryland, loyal to their kino^ 
and country, That we reaffirm the great Magna Charter of 
our civic and religious rights, as granted by Charles of Eng- 
land to Lord Baltimore and the inhabitants of this colony, 
as reaffirmed on the first landing of the pilgrim fathers of 
Maryland. That there shall be a perfect freedom of con- 
science, and every person be allowed to enjoy his religious 
political privileges and immunities unmolested. 

The resolution was read and re-read and adopted by a 
showing of hands. It was further 

Resolved, that the proceedings of this meeting be pub- 
lished in the Annapolis Gazette and Bradford paper at 
Philadelphia. 

There were four military companies raised in Frederick 
County, Md., in 1775, as follows: 

First at Emmitsburg (called the Game Cock Company) — 
Captain W. Blair; ist Lieutenant, George Hockensmith; 
2nd Lieutenant, Henry Williams; Ensign, Jacob Hocken- 
smith; Sergeants, W. Curren, Jr., Christian Crabbs, John 
Smith, George Kelly; Corporals, John Crabbs, George 
Mathews, Arthur Row, James Parks; Drum, Daniel Mc- 
Lean; 54 privates. 

Second at Emmitsburg, Md — Capt. W. Shields; ist Lieu- 
tenant, John Faire; 2nd Lieutenant, ^lichael Hockensmith; 
Ensign, John Shields; Sergeants, Charles Robinson, James 
Shields, Patrick Haney, Robert Brown; Corporals, INIoses 
Kennedy, J'ohn Hank, John Long, Thomas Baird; 52 
privates. 

Third Company — Capt. Jacob Ambrose; ist Lieutenant, 
Peter Shover; 2nd Lieutenant, Henry Bitzel; Ensign, John 
Weller; Sergeants, Martin Bantz, Frederick Schultz, John 
Gump, Casper Young; Corporals, John Protzman, George 
Kuhn, Dominick Bradley, Lawrence Creager; Drummer, 
John Shaw; Fifer, Philip Weller; 50 privates. 

Fourth Company — Capl. Benjamin Ogle; ist Lieutenant, 
Henry Matthews; 2nd Lieutenant, George Nead; Ensign, 
James Ogle; Sergeants, John Syphus, Lawrence Protzman, 



19 

Peter Leonard; Corporals, Jacob Valentine, Adam Knaiiff, 
Daniel Protzman, William Elder of Gny; Fifer, Daniel 
Linebaugh; Drummer, John Roche; 52 privates. 

It was in reference to these troops that General Wash- 
ington made the following remarks at the house of Key, 
near Middleburg, Md. . 

My Citizens — (Deeply affected) I am about to leave your 
good land, your beautiful valley, your refreshing streams, 
and the blue hills of Maryland, which stretch before me. I 
cannot leave you, fellow citizens, without thanking you, 
again and again, for your kind greeting, for the true and 
devoted friendship you have shown me. When the dark- 
est hours of the revolution, of doubt and gloom, the suc- 
cor and support I received from the people of Frederick 
County, Maryland, always cheers me, it always awakes a 
responsive echo in my breast. I feel the emotion of grati- 
tude beating in my breast, my heart is too full to say more. 
God bless you all. 

In this connection I copy the following to show the rate 
of taxes charged in 1780 and a receipt for substitute to 
serve in militia company during the Revolutionary war. 

Sept. 1 2th, 1780. Then received of Mr. Richard Braw- 
ner the sum of seventy-nine pounds, twelve shillings and 
nine pence, for the purpose of hiring a substitute for my 
company of militia to enlist during the war. 

Rec'd in full, John Shields. 

Rec'd Sept. 9th, 1772, of Mr. Richard Brawner the sum 
of nine shillings and ten pence sterling on two hundred 
and forty acres of land, which appears by G. Dickens, rest 
to be no more due till the next Michaelmas, for George 
Scott, likewise by G. Dickens next for Michaelmas, 1721, 
Dated July 21st. Paul Hagerty. 

Richard Brawner, Dr. 

To Elders kindness, 150 acres, 06^ — 4^ 
" Resurvey by Black, 40 " 01^ — 7^ 
'^ The B. Goodwill, 45 " 01'— 10 
" Elders kindness, qg " 03^ — ii}4 

" Back rent 03^ — 11 }4 



20 

I herewith give a copy of Father Brutea's letter dated 
1723, giving the town as he was informed it was in 1786: 
"Emmitsburg was a wood in 1786, when the Hughs came. 
The house of Mr. Jennings was the first built, not the 
present brick house, but a small log house, now a back 
building. The church was built in 1793, the land was be- 
longing originally to Mr. Carroll of Annapolis, and called 
Carrollsburg, it being in two parts, one lower in Maryland, 
one upper in Pennsylvania. The meeting for giving a 
name to the town was held at Ockenswith's farm. Some 
were for Carrolltown, some for Emmitsburg, which pre- 
vailed; it was about 1786. The line of Pennsylvania about 
three-fourths of a mile straight north of east on Gettys- 
burg road, but northwest much nearer. It passes the free 
George Snivally house, Chroniker still in Maryland and 
Mr. Little; but Patterson in Pennsylvania. 

"The Roman Catholic congregation is composed of Irish, 
Germans and American, besides colored persons, both slave 
and free. Half of the town is Catholic the rest is chiefly 
Presbyterian and Lutheran. The latter have a resident 
minister in the town who preaches alternatively in English 
and German. The Presbyterians have their meeting about 
a-half mile north, their minister, Mr. Grier, does not live 
in town: there are some Episcopalians. Dr. Moore is a 
Quaker, they follow principally the Presbyterian. One of 
the trustees is an Irish apostate. Sometimes other preach- 
ers pass through, they preach in these churches or in Pro- 
testant school houses. There is a Methodist preacher near 
about two miles (he holds meetings, classes, &c., at his 
house on Sunday and Wednesday), near Tom's creek, where 
there is a little village named after him, Morantown. I 
believe there are very few Methodists in town. The meet- 
ings and preaching of Presbyterians are held in the fields. 
Catholics sometimes attend them. The town numbers 
about 700 inhabitants. There are four principal taverns, 
and perhaps seven or eight tipling shops, under the sign 
liquors and fruits; besides these the principal groceries and 
dry goods stores, of which there are six, quite considerable, 



21 

sell drams and whiskey to anyone coming, particularly to 
their customers; there are four doctors, Hannan and his 
young brother-in-law. Dr. Moore, Dr. Shorb. We have 
neither library nor printing press. The various stores have 
an assortment of prayer books, and some elementary books 
for schools, of which there are principally two, one Cath- 
olic, the other Protestant, with their brick school house, 
one or two school mistresses for the smaller children." 

There are many poor families and widows at Emmits- 
burg. This may in general be attributed to the misfortune 
of the times, for it seems to be as a general thing. We 
cannot complain of disorder. The taverns are very quiet; 
the remarkable days, namely, election, Washington's birth- 
day, Review day, St. Patrick's and Christmas and New 
Year's day pass off very quietly and soberly, especially 
Christmas and New Year's day. I have been told many 
times, with an honorable complacency: satisfied, that not 
one person had been found intoxicated; this may be an ex- 
aggeration, but the case is generally true; there is an evi- 
dence of regularity of union and mutual cordiality which 
has been remarked from abroad. There is a great deal of 
religious opposition, and of interest amongst individuals; 
also frequent law suits, warrants and sales, going to court, 
but it seems to me that these meetings are mutually at- 
tended and justice rendered, without ill feeling occasioned 
by poverty, debts, rents, etc. The stings of pride, indis- 
creet words and unfavorable reports exist often enough, but 
probably they are less violent and more easily rendered 
than in many other places. It may be said of the poor 
Protestants, that in the midst of their errors there is a fund 
of religion and principle at Emmitsburg. There are some 
saw mills and grist mills, also tanneries. Some hatters, 
which all constitute the trade; there is a paper mill, Mr. 
Obermyer. Mr. Waters kept the principle tavern in 182 1. 

EARLY MANUFACTURERS. 

In 1784 John F'rederick Amelung came from Bremen 
with a colony of 400, settling on Bennett's creek near Mo- 
nocacy, now Urbana District, Frederick County; here he 



22 



erected a factory for making glass. It is said to be the first 
works established in America for the manufacture of hollow 
glassware. President Washington in a letter to Jefferson 
referring to these works, says: "A factory of glass is estab- 
lished upon a large scale on Monocacv river near Freder- 
ick, in Maryland. I am informed it will produce this year 
glass of various kinds to the amount of ten thousand 
pounds." Amelung manufactured and presented in person 
to Washington two capacious goblets made of flint crlass 
exhibiting the General's coat of arms. The story goes' 
that Amelung armed with these goblets and dressed^in full 
court costume, proceeded to Mount Vernon. Crossing the 
awn, he accosted a man in his shirt sleeves mounted on a 
ladder fixing the grape vines, and was greatly astonished 
to hnd that the person addressed was the great Washino-ton 
himself. A large number of pieces of glassware made bv 
Amelung are still in possession of the Masonic lodge at Al- 
exandria, of which Washington was a member and its first 
master. 

The old Masonic lodge (Holland) of New York also pos- 
sesses a number decanters, punch and wine glasses made 
by this factory. These works were removed to Baltimore 
in 1789 and occupy site of the present glass works of Chas. 
J. Baker & Sons, south side Basin under Federal Hill 
Amelung colonists established a Masonic lodge of which 
Abram Few, one of the Maryland delegates to the conven- 
tion that framed the Constitution of the United States- 
a lodge was organized in Frederick in 1799— Hiram lodge.' 

LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

The Elias Lutheran was organized at Tom's creek in 
the year 1757. Quoting from a letter of Rev. John Geor<re 
Young, of Hagerstown, Md., written in 1757, gives us the 
earliest account, tradition may serve where only secular 
motives are concerned, but not here. The letter was ad- 
dressed to Rev. D. Helmuth, a Lutheran divine, who seems 
to have projected a history of the ministerium of Pennsyl- 
vania. The original is now on file in the archives of the 
Lutheran Historical Society of Mr. Airy, Philadelphia. It 



23 

was translated into English by Rev. Henry E. Jacobs, 
D. D., of Mt. Airy Theological Seminary, and published 
in the Lutheran of April 19th, 1894: 

EMMITSBURG, 1757- 

Thomas Creek Hundred, twenty-three miles from Fred- 
erick and thirty miles from Hagerstown, foundation laid in 
that year for an Evangelical Lutheran church, by the pur- 
chase of an acre of land, and by a few families, and the erec- 
tion thereon of a church according to their circumstances. 
Pastor Eager served them first for two years, then the con- 
gregation was vacant for about the same period, then it was 
served by Rev. Ludwig Beck, who remained for six years, 
until his death; after this the congregation was vacant 
again for two years, until Rev. Mr. Wildburn served them 
for thirteen years. After Wildburn' s departure, the Luth- 
erans united with the Reformed in the same neighborhood, 
and built a new church on the old location, and also a 
school house. Since his time I have made three or four 
visits in the summer, and administered the sacraments. 
The congregation consists on our part of from thirty-two 
to thirty-four families; support uncertain. 

Central Monocacy Hundred, sixteen miles from Frede- 
rick and twenty-two from Hagerstown. Union church 
built by Lutheran and Reformed, and consecrated by Rev. 
Wildbohn and Rev. Hehop from Frederick. The former 
served eight years after a vacancy of a year. They invited 
me and I accepted, serving them ever since from Easter to 
December, every eight weeks. In the beginning the con- 
gregation was composed of twelve or thirteen families, now 
there are forty on the Lutheran side. They have a school 
house, but no permanent school, support indefinite. 

Such, dear doctor, are the congregation I have heretofore 
served with fear and weakness and trembling, may God 
graciously grant his blessing upon my weak planting and 
watering. How humbled I often am, as often I cannot see 
the hoped for fruit, and tares instead of the true grain ap- 
pear. The Lord have mercy upon his vineyard, especially 
upon this portion of it in our America, in order that the 



24 

wild boar may not do greater damage. Following the 
foregoing early situation at Tom's creek during the^'years 
intervening between 1768 and 1797 (when the two congre- 
gations concluded to move to town and erect a union 
church); in 1794 and 1795 Rev. Wingent was the visiting 
pastor; two )-ears the pulpit is vacant and the new church 
is built in Emmitsburij. 

o 

CHURCH LOTS AND CEMETERIES. 

There is no record at Frederick nor in any of the church 
books of a deed for lot at Toms' creek. The Rev. John 
George Young in 1757 tells of the purchase of one acre of 
land at Tom's creek to build a church. The first church was 
built at the west corner of the cemetery in 1768, when the 
Lutherans and Reforms united they built a log church, 
where it has stood until 1904, when the Methodist raised to 
the ground. They bought it in 1797 from the Lutheran and 
Reformed congregations, although there is no record any- 
where of the sale. On the 17th of August, 1795, Thomas 
Maxell purchased of William Emmit the lot the Lutheran 
church stands on, and deeded the same to the Lutheran and 
Reformed congregation, in 1802. 

The lot adjoining, now the new part of cemetery was 
bought of Jacob Winter i}i acres December 12th, 1828, 
for the sum of ^167.80. 

Tradition says the first bell was a much smaller one, very 
fine in tone. It cracked, was sent away to be recast; when 
It came the bell was an excuse compared to the former one, 
the silver had been robbed from it; they rejected it and 
purchased the present one. 

At the time, 1797, the church was built in town. The 
German language was spoken principally by these people, 
therefore the service was in German, Later the German 
and English were alternately used. 1797, Rev. John Ru- 
therford is the accredited pastor. 1802, Rev. John G. 
Grobt of Taneytown supplied this congregation with a ser- 
vice once a month, remaining till 1828, with Rev. John 
Hoffman as assistant from 1826. Under his ministration 



he favored the introduction of the English language in the 
service. In 1828 Mr. Hoffman was installed as regular 
pastor, remaining until 1833, when he accepted a call to 
Chambersburg, Pa. 1834, Rev. Samuel D. Finkle entered 
his official duties as pastor of this church, remaining three 
years, when in 1837 Rev. Ezra Keller was called to fill the 
pulpit, remaining four years. 1841, Rev. Solomon Sent- 
man was called to fill the vacancy, remaining eleven years. 
Then, 1852, the Rev. John Welfly two years. 1854, ^^v. 
George Collins a short time. 1855, Rev. Henry Bishop 
served the congregation seven years. 1863, Rev. W. V. 
Gotwold three years. 1866, Rev. E. S. Johnston twenty- 
two years. 1889, Rev. Luther DeYoe two years. 1892, 
Rev. Oscar G. Klinger from June 12th to August 28th. 
1892, Rev. Chas. Rimewold. 

This congregation has had an influence in this commu- 
nity all these years. Since 1757 its marked increase from 
the small number named by Rev. Mr. Young to its present 
large congregation, speaks loudly for its health giving 
tones that have been uttered from the pulpit. The shaping 
of a morality in a community depends upon the respect 
these outsiders have for the Christian people. This is 
manifest here; the influence of the churches curbs this 
open and scandalous violations of the law in our town. 

Rev. John George Eager, the first pastor of the Lutheran 
church at Tom's creek, 1757, changed the spelling of his 
name from Bager to Baugher. From him came all the 
Baughers known here. The German pronunciation gave 
it the same accent the additional uh did. Some called 
him Badger, others Bagger, others pronounced it correctly. 
To rid himself of so many ways of pronouncing his name 
he added the uh, thereby all could call him by the same 
name. 

Bill for shingling the Lutheran and Reformed church in 

1813. 
Lutheran and Reformed church. 

To George Smith, Dr. 

6,000 pine shingles, ^10, $ 60.00 

2,000 chestnut " 10, 20.00 



26 

51 lbs. nails, $ii>^ cts., $5-87>^ 

94 " ." 125^ " 11.75 

Hauling shingles, .34- oo 

Work, 81.00 



$212. 62 >^ 

The clock on Lutheran church was made by John Hughs 

of Taneytown in 1814 when the steeple was built. It was 

kept in repair until after i860. Still remains in the steeple 

out of repair. 

The Lutheran cemetery in town holds embosemed many 
of the early settlers and children to the fifth generation. 
Around these tombs cluster memories of so many families, 
like our neighbor the Roman Catholic. Many who die 
elsewhere wish their bodies to return to dust amongst rela- 
tives, and are returned for interment in this sacred spot. 
Many graves of the very early settlers are not marked by 
an epitaph, yet they sleep on, undisturbed, hisitors of an 
immortality bequeathed to all the sons of Adam: 

Mathias Martin, 1748, 181 5; Peter Troxell, 1768, 1856; 
John Martin, 1771, i860; George Smith, 1780, 1817; Peter 
Krise, 1762, 1831; Jacob Winter, 1771, 1846; Frederick 
Troxell, 1779, 1853; George Winter, 1783, 1850; George 
Sheets, 1773, 1853; Lewis Motter, 1779, 1837; Isaac Hahn, 
1766, 1844; Jacob Troxell, 1786, 1833; Philip Nunemaker, 
1763, 1824; John Troxell, 1746, 1830; Frederick Gelwicks, 
1774, 1 85 1; Jacob Banner, 1763, 1841; Samuel Valentine, 
1798, 1872; George Smith, 1748, 1823; Joseph Martin, 1800, 
i860; D. J. W. Eichelberger, 1804, 1895; John Sheets, 1803, 
1 891; p:ii Smith, 1 802, 1878; Joshua Motter, 1801, 1875; Jos- 
eph Moritz, 18 1 3, 1853; Jacob Row, 1781, 1864; George L. 
Smith, 18 17, 1901; Michael Helman, 1799, 1865; Andrew 
Eyster, 1800, 1872; Henry Winter, 1808, 1884; Michael 
Sponseler; George Winter, 1805, 1894; George Boner; Rev. 
William Runkle, 1748, 1832; Michael Oyster; John Trenkle; 
Jacob Oyster; John Young; Henry Dishour; John Huston; 
Samuel Noble; William C. Seabrook, 1821, 1875; Jacob 
Trenkle; G. W. Row, 18 17, 1901; Lewis Weaver; Jacob 



27 

Troxell, hatter, 1767, 1852; John Zimmerman, 1788, 1861; 
Joseph Row, 1789, 1 861; George Troxell, 1773, 1832; Jos- 
eph Row, 1814, 1888; Samuel Duphan, 1798, 1883; Detrich 
Zeck, 1814, 1891; Daniel Sheets, 181 5, 1900, Isaac Hyder, 
1 8 19, 1887; James Hosplehorn, 18 10, 1887; George Krise, 
1802, 1893; John Grable; Adam Hoffman, 175 1, 1825; his 
wife, 1747, 1 817; Frederick Beard, 1759, 1842; his wife, 1763, 
1849. Adam Hoffman was the first hatter; Frederick Beard, 
the first carpenter. 

Here the associations of life cease; here the polished mar- 
ble tells the undying respect the living retain for the dead ; 
here buried ambition ceases to excite the body's rest; here 
the earth to earth sentence is fulfilled, but there lingers 
around the spot a facination unlike that of any other, and 
we seek the quiet of the place and read the epitaphs we 
know so well, with increased interest, knowing ere long, 
our bodies will sleep beside those fathers and mothers. 

The steeple was not erected until 1814. Peter Troxell 
was the architect and George Smith the builder. At various 
times improvements have been made. In 1868 the vesti- 
bule was built and internal improvements made. In 1897, 
when the centennial of the erection of the church was cel- 
ebrated, amongst the valuable gifts to the church is the 
elegant and artistic pulpit, given as a memorial of her par- 
ents, John and Savilla Sheets, by Mrs. Edgar D. Miller, of 
Baltimore, Md. The beautiful memorial window contrib- 
uted by the congregation to the fourteen pastors, who all 
stand endeared for deeds of personal friendship, then the 
window to commemorate devotion, by the children and 
friends. To Mrs. Nathaniel Row by his daughter, Miss 
Helen Row; to Mrs, Eugene L. Row by her husband; to 
Dr. J. W. Eichelberger and his wife by their children; to 
Samuel Maxell and wife by their children; to Mrs. Sarah 
Troxell by her son Frederick, of Baltimore; to Mrs. Samuel 
G. Ohler by her husband; two windows donated by Daniel 
and Barbara Sheets; one to the Zeck family, the gift of 
Miss Julia Zeck. 

In 1905 the former study of the ])astor was torn down. 



28 

an avenue was opened through the lot to the church, paved 
with concrete to the church door, adding beauty to conven- 
ience, and an improvement to the town. Its no longer the 
dreary way to tread the lonely path in darkness to the 
temple door, but a highway illuminated all the way, and 
smooth to the entrance gate. 

REFORMED CHURCH. 

Its history from the union formed with the Lutheran con- 
gregation at Toms' creek in 1768 is an analogous one, 
along parallel lines they walked, each having too much 
good will to oifer any unkind act or word to mar the peace. 

The first regular pastor was Rev. Jacob Weymer, 1784; 
1788, Rev. Valentine Nichodumus, till 1794; 1794, Lebrecht 
L. Hinsch, 1804; 1793, Jonathan Rahauser, 1808; 1808, Rev. 
Frederick Rahauser, 18 16; 18 16, Rev. William kunkie, 1821; 
i82i,Rev. David Rosier, 1832; 1833, Rev. Elias Heiner, 
1835; 1836, Rev. Samuel Fisher, 1839; 1840, Rev. A. P. 
Freeze, 1842; 1843, Rev. Wm. Philips, 1846; Rev. Geo. W. 
Aughenbaugh, 1856; 1858, Rev. E. E. Higbee, May till Au- 
gust, 1858; 1858, Rev. Walter E. Krebs, 1863; 1863, Rev. 
John M. Titzel, 1873; 1873, Rev. Abner R. Kramer, 1881; 
1 88 1, Rev. M. A. Gring, 1882; 1882, Rev. Geo. B. Resser, 
1884; 1886, Rev. U. H. Heilman, 1892; 1893, Rev. A. M. 
Schaffner, 1895; 1896, Rev. W. C. B. Shulenberger, 1 903; 
1903, Rev. A. M. Gluck. 

It was during the pastorate of Rev. John M. Titzel the 
Lutheran and Reformed congregation separated, buying 
the John Nickum lot for $800 in 1868 they erected the 
present church, where they have worshiped since. The 
steeple was blown down in March, 1873, and rebuilt .same 
summer. From their organization in the county, connect- 
ing with the Lutherans at Tom's creek in 1768, installing 
their first pastor in 1784; at no period has the pulpit been 
vacant for any great length of time, or in the early days when 
the ministers were few, and they doing mi.ssion work. No 
doubt .some of the early .settlers worshiped at Monocacy 
church, near Creagerstown, and saw and heard the great 



29 

missionary sent to the Monocacy church; Rev. Schlatter, 
as he was sent from Holland in 1746 to organize congrega- 
tions in the various localities ; we know his journal of April, 
1747, says: I undertook a great journey to Monocacy and 
other places in Maryland. Mr. Schlatter visited Frederick- 
town in 1753 accompanied by Rev. Theodore Frankenfield, 
who he installed as the first pastor of the Monocacy congre- 
gation; he writes he found the people in good condition, 
pure minded, &c. 

Mountain View cemetery was started by Rev. Abner R. 
Kramer, buying the field and selling lots in 1881; he sold 
his interest in the cemetery to a few men who lately sold 
their interest in said cemetery to Sterling Gait, who has im- 
proved it wonderfully. 

Amongst the prominent persons buried in this cemetery are 
Jocob Sheets, 1801, 1895; John L. Motter, 1831, 1900; 
Abiah Martin, 1809, 1883; Peter Hoke, 1839, 1902; Mrs. 
Barbara Smith, 1803, 1884; Simon Whitmore, 1807, 1889; 
Samuel Motter, 1821, 1889; David Rhodes, 1800, 1878; John 
Troxell, 1 814, 1 881; Nicholas Moritz, 1785, 1883; Mathias 
Zacharias, 1758, 1825; David Whitmore, 1802, 1889; Christ- 
ian Zacharias, 1802, 1875; George T. Martin; Adam Win- 
gard, 1821, 1883; James VV. Troxell, 1832, 1904; William 
G. Blair, 1844, 1900; Rev. E. E. Higbee, 1830, 1889; Charles 
Smith, 1792, 1847; Rev. Whitmore, 18 19, 1S84. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Presbyterians that settled in Adams County, Pa. , 
and Frederick County, Md. , came from Scotland and the 
north of Ireland. They had houses to build, their land to 
clear and the Susquehannah Indian to contend with. They 
spread along the valley as far as Shippensburg and Carlisle; 
afterward advancing west as far as Pittsburg; the few that 
remained in southern Pennsylvania and northern Maryland 
after surmounting many difficulties of pioneer life, have 
left evidences of capability and perseverance. Today's 
reckoning approves their course. The minutes of the 
Presbytery of Donegal show that the Rev. Robert McMordie 



30 

was appointed to supply at "Monokasy. " On the second 
Sabbath of September, 1760. This is the first notice of 
preaching- within the bounds of either congregation. The 
precise locality indicated by "Monokasy" is unknown, and 
hence cannot be determined, whether the services were 
held in the territorial limits of Emmitsburg or Piney Creek 
Church ; is even without traditional sanction. The Pres- 
bytery being in session at Mr. Duffield's meeting house in 
Carlisle, Pa., April 27th, 1761, a supplication for sup- 
plies was presented from Toms' creek. June 24th, 1761, 
Tom's Creek Church again asked for supplies; a similar 
request was made from Pipe creek. The Presbytery there- 
upon appointed Rev. John Beard to preach at Pipe creek, 
fourth Sunday, September; fifth Sunday at Tom's creek, 
October, 1761. Itinerant preachers visited these sturdy 
men of the faith prior to these requests to the Presbytery 
for a supply. In November, 1762, Rev. Robert McMordy 
was appointed to supply at Tom's creek on the second Sab- 
bath of that month and Rev. Robert Smith, supply Toms' 
creek on the second Sabbath of April, 1763. Rev. Robert 
Smith was one of the pioneers of Presbyterianism in 
southern Pennsylvania, and adjacent parts of Maryland. 
He came from Londonderry, Ireland, in 1730; was pastor 
of Piqua Church, Pa. 

In April, 1763, Tom's creek and Pipe creek asked leave 
to apply to the Presbytery of New Brunswick for a young 
man to supply them, the answer to this request is not re- 
corded, but the Rev. Samuel Thompson was appointed to 
preach at Toms' creek on the third of June, and Rev. Rob- 
ert Smith in September. Rev. Robert McMordie was at 
the same time appointed to preach at Pine creek in April. 
At this point in the history the name Pipe creek disappears 
from the record, that of Pine, then of Piney Creek Hun- 
dred is substituted, showing the congregation adopted a 
new name, if it did not change its place of worship. Both 
churches were supplied during the next autumn and winter 
by W. Edmeston and John Slemons, licentiates of the 
Donegal Presbytery, also William Magraw from the Pres- 



31 

bytery of Philadelphia. Rev. Robert Smith from the 
summer of 1764. Mr. Slemons had three appointments at 
Piney creek and two at Tom's creek. Rev. Samuel Thomp- 
son also preaching at Tom's creek. Mr. Edmeston and 
Magraw subsequently renounced Presbyterianism and took 
orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church, Edmeston be- 
came rector of St. Thomas' Church, Frederick, Maryland, 
and Magraw St. Paul's, Philadelphia, October, 1765. 
During the next five years Tom's creek and Piney creek 
had occasional supplies appointed at stated meetings of the 
Presbytery, April and October. 

Adam Bay, John Slemons, John Craighill, Hezekiah Jas. 
Balch, Samuel Thompson and Robert Cooper among the 
preachers. In October, 1771, a committee from Tom's 
creek to settle a dispute consisted of Wm. Blair, William 
Shields, Wm. Brown and Samuel Emmit, the founder of 
the town of Emmitsburg. 

The ministers supplying the pulpits of Tom's creek and 
Piney creek churches from 1761 to the present are: 

i76i,Rev. Robt. McMordie, Rev. John Beard, Rev. Robt. 
Smith, Samuel Thompson, Rev. W. Edmeston, Rev. John 
Slemons, Rev. Wm. Magaw; 1775 to 1779, Rev. Hezekiah 
Balch; vacant, with occasional supplies, till 1782; 1783 to 
1789, Rev. John McKnight; vacant from 1790 to 1791, sup- 
plies; 1792, to 1796, Rev. Wm. Paxton, D. D.; vacant from 
1797 to 1800, supples; 1800 to 18 10, Rev. Patrick Davidson; 
vacant from 1811 to 18 13, with supplies; i8i4to 1865, Rev. 
Robt. S. Grier; 1866 to 1 873, Rev. Isaac M. Patterson; 1873 
to 1897, Rev. Wm. Simonton, D. D.; 1897 to 1905, Rev. 

David H. Riddle, D. D.; 1905 to , Rev. Kenneth M. 

Craig. 

Here the congregation worshiped for seventy-eight 
years, until 1839, when the church was torn down and re- 
built in Emmitsburg. During the pastorate of Rev. Isaac 
M. Patterson, 1(869, the church was remodled. Again in 
1878 it was torn down and a new gothic church costing 
$9,ooo was built during the pastorate of Rev. Wm. Simon- 
ton. This church was struck by lightning August 28th, 



31i 

1902, and entirely consumed. It was rebuilt and occupied 
for the first time in 1904, under the pastorate of Rev. David 
H. Riddle, and stands today secure. 

The lot to build the church was bought from Miss Mary 
and Margaret Knox April 20, 1839. 

Received April 20, 1839, of Andrew Annan, one of the 
trustees of Toms' creek church, two hundred dollars, in 
full for the purchase of a lot of ground in Shield's addition 
to Emmitsburg, for the erection of the above-named 
church thereon. 

Margaret Knox, 
Mary Knox. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Isaac M. Patterson, 1868, 
Taneytown was added to the charge consisting of Emmits- 
burg, and Piney creek, and continued as one charge until 
1879, when Emmitsburg withdrew from the union, bu}ing 
Taneytown and Piney creek's interest in the parsonage, 
since which it has continued as the Emmitsburg church. 
The new church is heated with hot water radiators, lighted 
with acetylene lights, has a fine organ, and everything to 
make the comers comfortable. A tablet has been erected 
to the former pastor, Rev. Robert S. Grier, who served 
this charge for almost fifty-two years, his only charge com- 
mencing in 1812 and continuing till 1865. 

In 1870 the church of Emmitsburg and Piney creek were 
detached from the presbytery of Carlisle and connected 
with the presbytery of Baltimore. 

PRESBYTERIAN CEMETERY. 

The Presbyterians buried in this cemetery are some of 
the oldest and most influencial men that lived during the 
formative period of the country. Following are some 
names given, both marked and unmarked graves: 

Samuel Emmit; Maj. O. A. Horner, 1841, 1897; William 
Emmit, 18 17; James C. Annan, 1837, 1894; Charles Bigham; 
Joseph Ihiys, 1828, 1888; WiHiani Stevenson; Thomas Hays, 
1788, 1840; Robert Flemming, 1785, 1853; Rev. Andrew 
Hays, 1856, 1886; Capt. William Blair; Hopkins Skiles, 1798, 



33 

1872; Capt. Henry Williams, 1743, 1820; Mary Murdoch, 
175s, 1 810; Rev. Robert S. Grier, 1790, 1865; Margaret 
Knox, 1773, 1842; James Crocket; Mary Knox, 1781, 1862; 
Samuel E. Annan, 1807, ^879; William Long; John Annan, 
1803, 1897; Dr. Robert Annan, 1765, 1827; Robert Annan, 
1793, 1866; William Cochran, 1693, 1771; Sarah Cochran, 
1702, 1785; William ?. Gardner, 1822, 1900; John Stewart, 
1778, 1866; William B. Morrison, 1818, 1890; William Mur- 
doch, 1754, 1820; David Morrison, 1774, 1846; Dr. Andrew 
Annan, 1805, 1896; Joseph Danner, 1796, 1840; Ann Mur- 
doch, 1756, 1848; Mrs. Joseph Danner, 1798, 1894; Josiah 
Emmit, 1765, 1821; Phineus Rogers, 1805, 1882; Abigail 
Emmit, 1764, 1838; Samuel McNair, 1809, 1875; William 
Porter, 1729, 1802; Joseph Culbertson, 18 14, 1881; John 
Porter, 1751, 1775; William Paxton, 1791, 1853; David 
Gamble, 1796, 1885; William Gamble, 1800, 1839; John 
Witherovv, 1806, 1888; Alexander Horner, 18 17, 1887; Max- 
well Shields, 1806, 1859; David Agnew, 1822. 1888; Ross 
Hunter, 1837, 1879; William Harley, 1807, ^897; Benjamin 
Cain, 1813, 1895; John Patterson, 1818, 1904; Ruben Flem- 
ming; John Farris, 1745, 1832; Robert Love, 1734, 1826; 
Adam Guthrie, 1810, 1858; William Witherow, 1730, 1785; 
Nathaniel Grayson, 1792, 1866; John Heugh, 1772, 1847; 
Daniel Jodun, 1770, 1834; Daniel Jodun, 1770, 1834; Robert 
Munro, 1768, 1825; Jonathan Agey, 1747, 1804; Benjamin 
Ogle, captain, 1760, 1822; Thomas McKee, 1755, 1843; An- 
drew Horner, 1775, 1838; Matthew Patterson, 1771, 185 1; 
James Moore, 1785, 1821; George Patterson, 1775, 1850; 
Elizabeth Woods, 1690, 1796; Alexander Stewart, 1735. 1821. 
The Hill Church, in Freedom township, Adams County, 
Pa., known as the United Presbyterian Church, figures 
somewhat in the history of Presbyterianism in this locality, 
as many of this congregation allied themselves with the 
Emmitsburg Church in later years. Its construction — 
stone walls, brick paved isles, high pulpit, high-back pews, 
and sounding board have given it the reputation of the 
quaintest structure externally as well as internally in these 



34 

parts. It was organized in 1754. Rev. Prondfit devoted 
his first four years in this county, till 1758, in missionary 
work amongst these people. In 1763 Rev. Robert Annan 
was called as pastor, June 8lh, continuing until April 2nd, 
1768. 1776, John Murry of Seatland was ordained in 
April, remaining until 1784, when he died. 1784, Rev. 
Alexander Dobbin until 1785, when the Hill Church 
united with the Rock Creek Church. The charge was 
without a regular pastor until 1814, when Rev. Charles 
McLean accepted a call, was installed as pastor of Gettys- 
burg and Hill Church, remaining until 1842. 1843, Rev. 
Mr. Purdy until 1849; 1852, Rev. D. T. Carnahan until 
1854; 1854, Rev. John R. Warren until 1857; 1858, Rev. 
William McElwee, until 1861. The first church was built 
of logs in 1763; the stone church was built 1792. 

A cemetery containing a few bodies, located on west side 
of church, not marked. The cemetery iised by the early 
settlers was the Marsh creek cemetery, where the pioneers 
of that organization rest. 

ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH. 

Between the years 1728 and 1834 Wm. Elder, Robert 
Owings and Joseph Livers, companions, came from St. 
Mary's County, Md., and settled in Frederick County. Mr. 
Elder and three friends made up the first Catholic congre- 
gation in this neighborhood, and until 1741 were visited 
by the Jesuits from the eastern part of the State. In that 
year Conewaga mission in Pennsylvania was established by 
Father Wapler, S. J. For eight years the members of this 
settlement were under his spiritual charge; as his pastoral 
visits were somewhat irregular, the settlers had frequently 
to go to Conewago to attend service. 

Rev. Father Neale succeeded Father Wapler, but died 
after a few years in the mission. In 1753 Rev. Father 
Manners took charge of Conewago, and continued until 
after the French and Indian war. In which these settlers 
took an active part, as this portion of Maryland was some- 
time the scene of Indian depredations. After a custom 
which had its rise in the exigencies of the times, succeed- 



35 

ing the Revolution of 1689, the Catholics had even in this 
settlement built for themselves a chapel, connected with 
the Elder homestead, where the various religious functions 
were exercised when the priest happened to come on his 
visitation. This charge was the cradle of what is now the 
congregation of St. Anthony of Padua, and the new church 
will supply the service which the ancient chapel gave till 
1806. Though it did not become ruined until 1862. 

Aftef the French and Indian war, when quiet was again 
restored, emigrants from the eastern counties of Maryland, 
from Pennsylvania and Virginia began to settle in great 
numbers in Frederick County, Md., and vicinity; then Fr. 
John Williams, an English Jesuit, built a chapel and resi- 
dence in 1763; he as well as his successor, Rev. George 
Hunter, occasionally attended the Elder settlement, which 
was then called "Pleasant Level," a name which still at- 
taches to a portion of the original estate, on which the resi- 
dence of Prof. Jourdan stands. Father Frainback succeeded 
Father Hunter in 1773, and continued pastor until 1779, 
after Father Walton had charge. In the mountain the 
Catholics of every district also received attention from Frs. 
Pellentz and Brocius, who held the Conewago mission with 
its dependent stations successively. 

In 1793 Rev. John Dubois took charge of the church in 
Frederick, and between that time and 1806 the Elder set- 
tlement had no end of attention from him and Fr. Ryan, 
and not unlikely from the famoiis Rev. Demetrius Galitzer, 
who for a time was stationed at Taney town. In 1805 Rev. 
John Dubois left Frederick and located in the Catholic set- 
tlement; the church long known as St. Mary's of the Mount, 
and which still stands, though enlarged, was begun in No- 
vember, 1805; first service August 15th, 1806, and from 
that time, until he was made bishop of New York, gave his 
undivided attention to Mt. St. Mary's congregation, the 
college and the sisters of charity of which he was the first 
spiritual director, and for sometime also looked after the 
congregation in Emmitsburg. From the establishment of 
Mt. St. Mary's until the fall of 1894, the president of that 



36 

institution was ex-officio pastor of the mountain congrega- 
tion, whose members are scattered over a radius of five 
miles or more. In that capacity he did most of the parish 
woik. 

The parish priests after Father Dubois were Rev. Michael 
Egan, 1826 to 1829; Rev. John McGeeny, Rev. John Purcell, 
1832 to 1838, afterward made bishop; Rev. Francis B. Jam- 
ison and Thomas Butler, 1838; Rev. John McCaffery, a na- 
tive of Emmitsburg, served the congregation from 1839 until 
1 87 1; Rev. John McClosky entered upon the duties of Presi- 
dent, serving from 1871 to 1877; Rev. John A. Watterson 
was made President, continuing until 1880, when he was 
made bishop; again Rev. John McClosky took up the burden 
until Christmas, when he died; Rev. William Hill became the 
President; after Hill, Rev. William Byrne, then Rev. William 
O'Hara. 

The first pastor of St. Anthony's Church was Rev. Manly, 
next Rev. Reinals, Rev. Lyons, the present Rev. Tragasar. 

Amongst the tombs on the mountain side, .surrounding the 
first church, we find : 

Rev. John McCaffery, Rev. John McCloskey, Dr. William 
Patterson, Henry Diehlman, James D. Hickey, Felix Taney, 
James Taylor, Dr. James Shorb, Thomas Barry, John Little, 
Henry Little, Harry Manning, Joseph Storm, Arnold Livers, 
Nace Wagner, Joseph Baugher, George Eckenrode, John F. 
Elder, Hiram Taylor, Wm. H. Tiers, Geo. H. Miles, Prof 
James Mitchell, Charles Wilson. Thomas Qlloole, John Hobbs, 
Nathan Petticord, Jasper Petticord, John K. Taylor, Joseph 
Brawner, Joseph Livers, Pius Hemlec, Zachius Brighner, Wm. 
Miles, John H. Cretin, John T. Cretin, John Roddy, Hemler 
Lewis Elder, John Seton, John McDermot, Francis Welty, 
John M. Stouter, Perry Petticord, Wm. Taylor, W m. Braw ner, 
George Worthen, Nace Orndorf, Joseph Wetzel. 

ST. JOSEPH'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The lot upon which the church is built was given by 
James and Joseph Hughs. Prior to 1850 the church lot 



37 

was not so extensive as at present, the alley dividing the 
property of J. M. Kerrigan and Joshua Norris continued 
through to Green street. The Hughs family lived in a 
house on the east corner, adjoining the public school lot, 
about this time the churcli purchased this lot. A log 
house, still earlier, stood on the north corner, occupied by 
SnoufFer. It was torn down and this parcel added to church 
property. On the west corner stood the barn of Dr. J. W. 
Eichclberger, also the stable of the Gibbon property, east 
of Eichelberger barn. After the fire of 1863 these two 
lots were added, thus giving the church the entire present 
possessions. 

The church was built in 1793. Many of the first settlers 
in this locality were of this faith. Father Brutea, said in 
1823, "half the town were Catholics; they were principally 
of Irish nationality. The early tombstones bear me out in 
this assertion. Some few Germans came in later. They 
built well; the evidence is before us in a magnificent church 
building, surpassed by few. " Rev. Fr. Brutea's letter of 
1823 gives many incidents to show the condition of the 
church in its beginning, like all organizations, during the 
trying times of the colonies, and for a long time after the 
settlement. There were hardships to endure, battles to 
fight, standards to raise, and sustain, poverty to contend 
with; he says there are many poor families and poor widows 
at Emmitsburg (no doubt some widows of the war for in- 
dependence). The Sunday collection is made but once a 
year, the poor box might contain four or five dollars, but I 
don't know why, but there has not been put in it a single 
cent for nearly three months. Of the population he says, of 
widows and their families, this is a numerous and imhappy 
class. Widows Gildea, Row, Boyle, and Minty. Of the 
forty-three negroes who made their Easter, I counted sev- 
enteen free among the Catholics, fifteen free negroes, Pro- 
testants, leaving twenty-six slaves. 

The congregation commenced to furnish, in union with 
the sisters, a horse in 1820. On Sunday when the priest 
is at Emmitsburg Mr. Grover takes care of him. The priest 



38 

constantly lodges at the house of James Hughs, except Mr. 
Cooper, who remained in town, first at the house of Mr. 
Radford, then at Mr. Grover's. As a general thing very 
little is given for masses. Out of the poverty this church 
passed through, not unlike all the others, it has advanced 
step by step to its present prominence. If the eye of Rev. 
Dubois could survey the field today would he be satisfied 
with his sowing? Following are the names of the priests : 

1793, Rev. Dubois and Ryan; 1809, Rev. Duhammel; 1818, 
Rev. Hickey; 18 18, Rev. Cooper; 1823, Rev. Brutea; 1832, 
Rev. Hickey; after 1850, Rev. Mailer, Rev. Burlando, Rev. 
Gandolfo, Rev. Smith, Rev. Rolando, 1853, Rev. Thomas Mc- 
Caffery; Rev. McCarthy, Rev. White, Rev. Kavanaugh, Rev, 
Frank Donoghue; he remodled the church and put in the 
organ; 1906, Rev. Hayden. 

The original church was not near so large as the present 
one. It was built by Rev. John McCaffery in the year 
i84i-'o2. The steeple only extended to the square until 
1867, when Tyson & Lansinger built the present complete 
steeple. The clock was put up in 1904. The remodled 
new pews, marble railing around the altar, elegant colored 
windows and a new organ, and to complete the general 
equipment acetylene gas was installed, thus giving every 
accommodation as well as luxury to the church-goers, in- 
cluding a furnace that heats the church comfortably, a con- 
crete pavement around the outside of church, connected 
with the priest's house; also the street pavement around 
the premises in 1905; the cemetery is thoroughly cleaned 
up and the grave-stones set in regular order, and kept in 
good condition. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY. 
Capt. Richard Jennings, 1759, 1795, after his death his 
widow married James Hughes; Thomas Radford, 177S, 1823; 
Major John Harret, 1779, 1856; Mathevv Ryan, 1740, 1817; 
Luke Savage, 1742, 1841; Wm. Bradley, 1746, 18 13; Patrick- 
Bradley, 1756, 1821; Rogers Ikooks, 1755, 1825: Joseph 
Hughs, 1761, 1841; John Gildea, 1772, 1815; Patrick Lowe, 



39 

1781, 1827; John Welty, 1722, 1817; James Hughs, 1762, 
1839; Abraham Welty, 1774, 1873; Lucy Hughs, 1762, 
1838; Jas. Storm, 1788, 1870; Joseph Beachey, 1780, 1854; 
Patrick Reid, 1759, 1829; Peter Honiker, 1774, 1855; John 
Hughs; Michael C. Adelsberger, 1788, 1882; Patrick Kelly, 
1 8 14, 1872; Dr. Augustin Taney, 1804, 1853; James Mc- 
Divit, 1782, 1858; Anthony McBride, 18 10, 1887; Andrew 
Welty, 181 5, 1877; James A. Dvven, 1831, 1877; Frederick 
Black, 1805, 1893; Joseph P. McDivit, 1817, 1875; James 
A. Elder, 1830, 1898; Joachim Elder, 1786, 1863; James F. 
Adelsberger, 1830, 1879; John Topper, 1772, 1849; Joseph 
Hobbs, 1827, 1905; Frances Gilmyer, 1755, 18 16; David 
Hoover, 1776, 1854; Mrs. F. Gilmyer, 1758, 1825; Rev. E. 
LeFever, 1847, 1904; David Agnew, 1777, ^843; Edward 
M. Miles, 1843, 1904; Mrs. David Agnew, 1785, 1853; Wm. 
Black, 1822, 1905; Thomas Eagan, 1779, 1846; Jas. Knauff, 
1800, 1892; John Jackson, 1806, 1898; Sebastian Flautt, 
^771^ 1858; Lawrence Dwen, 1805, 1867; George Grover, 
1779. 1850; John Barry, 1800, 1876; John Nickum, 1789, 
1843; James McNamaro, 1785, 1881; Bernard Welty, 1773, 
1856; Martin Sweeny, 1824, 1882; Michael Rider, 1797, 1880; 
Rev. Bernard Sweeny, 1869, 1898; Barbara Arther, 1745, 
1845; George Lawrence, Jeremiah Pittenger; Peter Settle- 
myer, 181 1, 1898; Polly Minty, 1785, 1859; James Kearney, 
1737, 1816; Thomas J. Bond, 1832, 1897; Kelly and Ann 
Coats. 

METHODIST CHURCH. 

In the records of Frederick County the following deed is 
recorded: 

March 26, 1831. From Jacob Winter to William More- 
land, Joseph Crabbs, Richard Gilson, Colins Austin, and 
Robert Crooks, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
for the United States, at Emmitsburg, Maryland, Lots No. 
51 and 52 in Shields' addition, for $120. 

On this lot in the year 1833 Rev. William Moreland 
built a brick church. Tradition says he defrayed the en- 
tire expense. He was a local preacher, living on and own- 



40 

ing the farm now Samuel Gamble's. During the summer 
he built the church. In the fall he started in his gig to fill 
an appointment at Toms' creek. On Sunday morning he 
was found dead in the gig, his horse standing by the fence; 
he was buried at the west corner of the church; no marks 
of his grave can be found. He held services at his house 
on Sunday and Wednesday. Mrs. Moreland lived in the 
house of Mrs. J. A. Row, and died there. She was a linen 
weaver. Nathaniel Row has the yard stick .she used in 
measuring her work. The congregation worshiped in this 
church until 1899. When they, having purchased the lot 
now Enoch Frizzell's from Bryon O. Donnel estates; they 
exchanged it with Jacob Smith for the present one, on 
which the church was built, by Rev. M. H. Courtney, pas- 
tor, a monument of perseverance to the members of the 
church. 

In the cemetery are the graves of William Morelind and 
his wife, Miss Mary Keen, Joseph Troxell and wife, Frederick 
Troxell, Jacob S. Gelwicks, James K. Gelwicks, Joseph S. 
Waddles, Thomas Bushman, Thomas Fraley and wife, Asa 
Webb and wife, Blackford Campbell and mother, Thomas 
Clabaugh, Peter Remby and wife. 

TOMS CREEK METHODIST CHURCH. 

In the year 1797 the Lutheran and Reformed congrega- 
tion worshiping in the log church known as Toms Creek 
Church, built the present Lutheran Church in town the 
Methodist bought the log church from these congregations, 
not the burying ground. At this time the Rev. William 
Moreland, a local preacher and a linen weaver living on 
the farm now owned by S. Gamble, holding service in his 
house, added this place as a preaching station. He appears 
to be the first preacher, as he intended building a church 
in town. From the records in Frederick he and Joseph 
Harvey bought of William Shields April ist, 1805, Lot 
No. 53 for $24 to build a church. This was not accom- 
plished until 1833, when he and others bought the opposite 
corner lot. The dedication service was December, 1833. 



41 

Rev. C. B. Young preached the sermon; in charge, Rev. 
John L. Potts, Jr. , preacher. This church was on the Gettys- 
burg circuit. Rev. William Moreland came from Ireland; 
he was living in this community in 1786. A linen weaver, 
he was a pioneer christian. So deeply impressed by the 
gospel truth he consecrated himself to the good work of 
gathering in his neighbors and instructing them in the 
truth, he thus gained for himself the title of local preacher. 
(Father Dubois, who wrote the letter quoted in this book, 
says in 1786, "there is a Methodist preacher near about 
two miles from Toms creek, where there is a little village 
named after him, Morantown. He holds his meetings and 
classes at his home on Sundays and Wednesdays. I be- 
lieve there are very few Methodists in town.") Starting 
with Moreland at 1786, perhaps years before, he could have 
been the only preacher in this locality until his death, 1833. 
As the minister of Gettysburg, Young dedicated the 
church and no doubt was the attending minister at his 
funeral. 

The following deed shows the intention of Mr. Moreland, 
There is on record a deed that indicates Mr. Moreland's 
intention twenty-six years prior to buying and building the 
church, he was an early comer. William Shields, agent 
and attorney for John Shields, executor of William Shields, 
deceased. 

In consideration of twenty-four dollars, made to William 
Moreland and Joseph Harvey, managers and trustees for 
the Methodist Society of Emmitsburg, Maryland, and their 
successors of the Society aforesaid, a deed for one lot of 
ground in Shields' addition in Emmittsburg, Md., No. 53, 
April ist, 1805. 

The ministers on the Gettysburg Circuit supplying the 
Emmittsburg and Toms Creek church: 1827. Samuel Clark, 
preacher; George Hildt, assistant. 1828, William O. Lums- 
don, preacher; T. H. W. Moore, assistant. 1829, Samuel 
Kemper, preacher; John C. Lyon, assistant. 1830, Jonathan 
Munroe, preacher; Robert Crooks, a.ssistant. 1 831, William 
Butler, preacher; Stephen Smith, assistant. 1832, William 



42 

Butler, preacher; John L. Pitts, assistant. 1833, Charles B. 
Young, preacher; J. L. Pitts, assistant. 1834, Charles B. 
Young, preacher; J. W. Richardson, assistant. 1835, Richard 
Bond, preacher; Joseph H. Went, as.sistant. 1836, Richard 
Bond, preacher; James Brads, assistant. 1837, Amos Smith, 
preacher; Joseph H. Brown, assistant. 1838, Amos Smith, 
preacher; John M. Jones, assistant. 1839, Henry Furlong, 
preacher; John M. Jones, assistant. 1840 and i84i,Josiah 
Forrest, preacher; Wesley Howe, assistant. 1842, Thomas 
McKee, preacher; Henry Hoffman, assistant. 1843, Thomas 
McKee, preacher; Thomas Reese, assistant. 1844, Solomon 
McMuUen, preacher; Thomas Reese, assistant. 1845, Solo- 
mon McMullen, preacher; Thomas Switzer, assistant. 1846 
and 1847, Thomas Tanyhill, preacher; R. S. McClay, assist- 
ant. 1848, Horace Holland, preacher; John Thouch, assist- 
ant. 1849, Horace Holland, preacher; Beverly Waugh, as- 
sistant. 1852, Smith; 1853, Jonathan Monroe; 1854, 

Harding; 1855, Black; 1856, John Dash and 

William Earnshaw; 1858, Elias Welty; 1859, L. D. Herron; 
1861, R. C. Haslip; 1863, P. B. Reese; 1865, W. H. Keith; 
1867, J. D. Moore; 1870, John Montgomery; 1871, J. T. 
Cross; 1875, George E. Maydwell; 1877, H. P. West; 1880, 
E. O. p:idridge; 1882, Daniel Haskel; 1884, Geo. M. Berry; 
1885, Osburn Belt; 1888, D. Davis; 1890, J. F. F. Grey; 
1892, J. C. Starr; 1893, Henry Mann; 1896, M. H. Courtney; 
1901, W. L. Orem; 1903, George W. Harris; 1905, Frank 
Bailey. 

William Moreland was the pioneer, although a local 
preacher, he established Methodism in Emmitsburg and 
Toms creek; was a land owner as early as 1805, and iden- 
tified in the commnnity before 1800, no donbt pnrchased 
the Toms Creek Cluirch. 

In connection with this Methodist church, the Toms 
creek Methodist church has always been connected with 
this charge. In 1797 the Methodists living in that locality 
purchased from the Lutheran and Reformed congregations 
the old log church, with its hallowed memories dating back 



43 

to 1751. On either side of the church there is a cemetery. 
On the hill the Lutheran and Reformed churches, where 
the sad hearts of days long forgotten, laid their friends to 
rest, no doubt as far back as 1720, some were buried there. 
Jacob Banner's tomb is the oldest, 1768; it is the oldest in 
this locality except Mrs. Wm. Elder, 1739, at Clairvoux. 
Mrs. Jacob Banner, 1782; every evidence there shows it 
was the earlist burying ground in the northern part of the 
county; below the church the Methodists have a burying 
ground. This congregation has kept at the work serving 
that portion of the community, giving it a religious mould; 
and without their influence would not be there; their key- 
note has been: 

"As long as the lamp holds out to burn. 
The vilest sinner may return." 
In 1904 this congregation built a new church on the 
road leading from the Baltimore road to Maxell's mill, sell- 
ing the material of the old log church at auction. The 
ground upon which the new church was built was bought 
from Klias Valentine. 

TOMS CREEK LUTHERAN CEMETERY. 

This is the oldest burying ground in this locality. Prior 
to 1746, when the first patent was recorded, squatters had 
taken possession of plats of land, centering upon Toms 
creek location as a central point; hundreds of persons were 
buried here. The entire acre with little exception is taken 
up with unmarked graves; as an evidence this was the only 
burying ground, none of the farms north, east or west have 
them, whilst the nearest south is the Close farm. 

George Smith, 1720, 1793; Christian Smith, 1720, 1790; 
Jacob Banner, 1768; Margaret Banner, 1782; Peter Troxell, 
1719, 1799; Mrs. Peter Troxell, 1737, 1806; Maria Troxell, 
1 77 1, 1794; Michael Row, 1762, 1831; Mrs. Michael Row; 
1763, 1842; Jacob Troxell, 1763, 1807; Capt. Michael Sluss, 
1785, 1859; John Sluss, 1809, 1890; Isaac Row, 1797, 1841; 
Frederick Ohler, 1787, 1869; Joseph Crabbs, 1786, 1850; 
Barthol Waddle, 1787, 1847; John Hockensmith, 1775, 1855; 



44 

Barbara, his wife, 1778, 1842; Wni. Hockensmith, 181 3, 
1864; S. Oyster, 1792, 1794; John Smith, 1782, 1783; James 
Ohler, 1801, 1873; Daniel Row, 1806, 1851; George Row, 
1755, 1845; Anna May, his wife, 1758, 1838; John Row, 
1800, 1873; AgnessRow, his wife, r802, 1880; George Ohler, 
1788, 1826; John Hoover, 1771, 1832; Jesse Hoover; Sally 
Hockensmith, 18 14, 1894; Betsy Hockensmith, 1802, 1874. 

Following are in the Methodist cemetery: Solomon Krise. 
1807, 1887; Elizabeth Nickum, 1770, 1853; Jacob Nickum; 
Abraham Stanbury, 1769, 1855; William Biggs, 1797, 1876; 
Amy Biggs, 1804, 1848; John Fuss, 1835, 1900; John Smith, 
1764, (825; William Moser, 181 i, 1881; Frederick Crabbs, 
1774, 1 851; David Crabbs, 1761, 1827; Elizabeth Hoover, 
1744, 1833; David Morrison, 1802, 1866; Prudence Morrison, 
his wife; Samuel Smith, 1802, 1830; William Gilson, 1830, 
1892; Mrs. William Gilson, 1836, 1875; Richard Gilson, 
^795. 1874; Mrs. R. Gilson, 1800, 1873; Susan Harbaugh, 
1782, 1869; John Munshower and wife. 

In the Zimmerman cemetery in Adams County, Pa., 
three miles north of town, were buried in the colonial days 
the dead of that locality; many graves are unmarked, from 
whom the sturdy stock of the present generation descended. 
Such as it required to build a nation — the Overholtzers, 
Eikers, Zimmermans, Bakers, Rhodes and Cochrans. 

INDIAN BURIAL PLACE. 

The only Indian burial place accurately known in this lo- 
cality is on the Gilson farm ; about seventy-five years ago the 
graves were ploughed over. This sacred spot to the red 
man yielded quite a quantity of skulls and bones. An eye 
witness who had gone to inspect the war relics and mayhap 
get a skull, found them in such condition that he procured 
a few teeth only. 

BOYLE'S GRAVE. 

One grave, the body of Boyle, who rests in the 

upper corner of the lot now owned by John Vance, he died 
near Frederick. When brought home interment was re- 
fused in the Roman Catholic cemetery. Dr. Patterson 
owned this lot and gave a resting place to Boyle. 



45 



EMMITSBURG. 

Samuel Einmit after laying out the town August 12th, 
1785, deeded to his son William, 35 acres of land as fol- 
lows: Samuel Emmit to his son William, part of Carrols- 
burg, wherein the lots of a new town of Emmitsburg are 
laid out. Excepting five lots, to wit: No. i to Samuel Em- 
mit'swife; No. 17 to son Josiah; No. 16 to daughter Mary ; 
No. 4 to son Abraham James; No. 10 to grandchild Wm. 
Porter. 

The following lots were sold to persons named for, price 
two pounds, ten shillings. Ground rent seven shillings, six 
pence in gold: 

No. I. Mrs. Samuel Emmit; 2. Michael Row; 3. Samuel 
Caldwell, York County, Pa.; 4. Abraham James Emmit; 
5. Jacob Hockensmith; 6. Conrad Hockenrmith; 7. Chris- 
tian Smith; 8. Patrick Reid; 9. John Whitmore; 10. Wm. 
Porter; 11. James Hughs; 12. Adam Hoffman; 13. John 

Rogers; 14. ; 15. Charles Robinson; 16. Mary 

Emmit; 17. Josiah Emmit; 18. ; 19. Samuel 

Carrick; 20. Margaret McDannel; 21. ; 22. 

Michael Smith; 23. James Agnew; 24. Daniel Gonden; 25. 
; 26. Michael Hockensmith; 27. Richard Jen- 
nings; 28. James Hughs; 29. David Tanner; 30. James Lar- 

kins; 31. Jacob Tanner; 32. ; 33. ; 

34. John Lock alias Sluss; 35. ; 36. Robert 

Wrench; 37. ; 38. ; 39. The man 

that propo.sed calling the town Emmitsburg; John McGor- 
gan. 46. 

The original lay-out of the town was from lot No. i, the 
lot upon which Quincy Shoemaker's shop stands, then west 
to the alley where C. T. Zacharias' house stands, then 
across to J. A. Helman, then east to John Hosplehorn's 
house. Samuel Emmit then made a deed to his son Wil- 
liam for 35 acres; he continued the extension from the 
west end to the east line of the land sold to Wm. Shields in 
Sept., 1787, when it is supposed Emmit added his addition 
to connect with Shields and the eastern from the lot No. i 



46 

to the eastern extent. All the land on both sides of the 
town was laid out in building lots from Flat Run to the 
run on south side, as the plat made by Andrew Smith in 
1808 shows. 

These lots were in possession of such men as John Trox- 
ell, Lewis Weaver, Patrick Reid, Jacob Banner, John Arm- 
strong, Frederick Gelwicks, Henry Fahnestock, Robert 
Flemming, Lewis Motter, Jacob Winter, Andrew White, 
and John Hughs. The lot lines were obliterated and the 
land was used for farming, continuing in that relation ever 
since. 

An agreement between Samuel Emmit, Henry Williams, 
John Troxell and Jacob Hockensmith, upon the line of 
Carrollsburg as surveyed by L. Brengle, county surveyor, 
November 3rd, 1791. One line runs near James Jannise's 
old cabin, where the trees are marked with the Indian eyes 
and mouth, then through a bottom of Samuel Emmit's, too 
long made use of by old Hockensmith and his son Jacob, 
on Middle creek. 

Item. — Samuel Caldwell may remember the nineteenth 
line of Carrollsburg, where he was almost knocked down 
by an axe that flew off its handle December ist, 1785. 

Item. — Deed made by Lewis Motter to George Smith, 
March 27th, 1802, for brick house along Frederick road. 

ADDITION TO EMMITSBURG. 

May 20th, 1786. Samuel Emmit to his son William, 55 
acres of land in addition and adjoining the land deeded 
August 1 2th, 1785, part of Carrollsburg tract, to extend the 
limits of the new town, now Emmitsburg. 

EMMITSBURG. 

Samuel Emmit, the founder of Emmitsburg, nationality 
Irish, took out a patent May 17th, 1757, for 2,250 acres of 
land. He was not the earliest settler in this section, but 
he was a far-seeing man, and used his intelligence, know- 
ing towns would be a nucleus for a community, he early 
sold off lots of land to incoming persons, and established a 
centre here, in this beautiful valley, which has afforded so 



47 

many returning descendants of the pioneeis, as well as 
strangers pleasure to sniff the fresh, fragrant air that in- 
vigorates the spirit of the depressed. One good father in 
the Roman Catholic church when asked how he liked his 
new field of labor (he had been removed to Germantown), 
replied, "Heaven first, Emmitsburg next." We may seek 
other places and decry our own, but no where on the earth 
will you find more beautiful surroundings. The landscape 
could not be improved, the health resorts are no better. 
The genial clime of the 39th degree, with the exception 
of an occasional blizzard, which all sections are heir to; 
neither heat nor cold become excessive, a happy medium 
reigns. We know it. Do we appreciate it ? The moun- 
tains hard by are a protection, many storms miss us, they 
are divided by these mountains; we see them as they flee 
away to the north or south. There is honor due Mr. 
Enimit for his perception and selection of such a truly 
lovely spot. Is it not the theme of the graduate as she 
pens her verses for the great day of her life, and deplores 
her departure from the shadow of Carrick's Knob? Do we 
not, with it in view from our infancy, stand and gaze upon 
it, not only when it is covered with leaves, but in its bar- 
renness, and when the snow covers its peak, and we await 
the rising moon to increase its splendor. When we ascend 
its Indian look out and gaze over the landscape, taking in 
the range of the mountain, then following the course of 
old Toms creek, in our vision we behold the grandeur of 
the valley as it lies beneath our feet, filled with the well- 
cared-for buildings and productive farms. There is a halo 
of satisfaction around every life, but to him who has proper 
appreciation of great and grand scenery, he can feast to his 
fullness here. Yea, if he has not seen the beauties, let 
him visit some locality where all is level for a hundred 
miles, and his eye will tire at the sameness of the place, 
and he will long for the hills and valleys to reinstate him 
in favor with himself 

This town was laid out in 1785. In was known as Pop- 
lar Fields prior to that date, when at a public meeting held 



48 

at Hockensmith's Tavern (the farm now owned by Meade 
Fuss), John McGorgan was called to the chair. He pro- 
posed to change the name from Poplar Fields to Emmits- 
burg, in honor of Samuel Emmit, one of the largest land- 
holders in the district. All persons threw up their hats, 
clapped their hands and hurrahed for Emmitsburg. 

The company had quite a merry time, having drank the 
health of the newly baptized town; they returned home full 
of sanguine expectation as to the rapid growth of the infant 
settlement. The population at this time consisted of seven 
families: Capt Richard Jennings, merchant; Adam Hoff- 
man, hatter; John Rogers, tavern keeper; Michael Smith, 
blacksmith; Frederick Baird, carpenter; James and Joseph 
Hughs, merchant and architect. 

Capt. Richard Jennings built the first house, a one-story 
log house, on the lot No. 27, now own-ed by Eugene E. Zim- 
merman. The first brick house was built adjoining this 
log house by Capt. Jennings, known later as the Otter tav- 
ern; James and Joseph Hughs built on lot No. 28 where 
the Spangler house now stands, and lot No. 11 where the 
bank and Elder's drug store stands. Lot No. 12, Adam Hoff- 
man, hatter, built a log house where Philip Lawrence lives; 
lot No. 13, John Rogers, tavern keeper, built the log house 
where Mrs. F. A. Adelsberger lives; lot No. 22, Michael 
Smith, blacksmith, built the house now Michael Hoke's; 
lot No. 24, the present Presbyterian parsonage, was built 
by Frederick Raird; said to be the third brick house built 
in town; lot No. 29, the large brick house burned in fire of 
1863, was built by John Troxell. The lots left by Samuel 
Emmit by will to his wife and children are No. i to his 
wife, where Kerrigan's shop stands; lot No. 4 to his son 
Abraham James, the lot of Wm. Lansinger; lot 10 to his 
grandchild, Wm. Porter, the lot where Dr. C. D. Eichel- 
berger live, Rotering and Charles Zeck occupy; lot 16 to 
daugher Mary, the lot now owned by E. Payne; lot 17 to his 
his son Josiah, the lot where the Reformed church stands. 
Abraham James Emmit lived in house No. 126, the house 
now owned by Mrs. George Gillelan, where he died. Wm. 



49 

Emmit was the executor of his father, a magistrate, a bach- 
elor. ] 
tached. 



elor. Deeds are still in existence with his signature at 



EMMIT FAMILY. 

Samuel Emmit, an Irish emigrant, in company with 
Wm. Shields, who was married to his sister, came into this 
locality and took out patents for lands May 17th, 1757; 
they were not the earliest settlers; they were of the num- 
ber coming with the third influx, 1730, 1746, 1757. 
Amongst this third was Key, the father of the national 
song; the men coming at this period proved to be strong 
men, as their descendants have evidenced. Samuel Emmit 
and wife are buried in the Presbyterian cemetery in un- 
marked graves. Come with me to that hallowed spot where 
so many of the early settlers sleep, and drop a tear on these 
lonely graves, not for Mr. Emmit, but for the regret. Over 
a hundred years has witnessed the changing seasons, yet 
no man felt interested enough to place a tablet to Emmit's 
memory. I solicit a contribution of ten cents from each 
reader of the History of Emmitsburg towards a marker to 
the memory of Samuel Emmit and wife. Their family 
consisted of the following children: 

Agnes, married Wm. Porter; William, bachelor, died 1817, 
dropped dead. Mary, Abraham James, Josiah, 1765, June 
29th, 1 821; Abigail, 1774, February 15th, 1838; children of 
Abraham James; John, 181 1, 1847; Jane married Joseph 

Crooks 1806, 1858; Mary married McKeehen; children 

of Joseph and Jane Crooks, Abigail, July 23rd, 1838, died 
January 17th, 1882; Robert Emmit, 1840, 1867; Wm. Wash- 
ington, 1842, 1870; Joseph David, 1846, 1853; children of 
John; married James B, Taylor. 

Joseph Crooks and wife lived at Smithsburg, Md. ; he is 
buried in Chambersburg, Pa. Mrs. Crooks, Richmond, 
Ohio. The last property in the Emmit name was pur- 
chased by David Gamble in 1838, now the George Miller 
farm, the last record of Samuel Emmit; he was living in 
1797. 



50 

shields' addition. 

William Shields purchased from Samuel Emmit, Sep- 
tember 29th, 1787, 106 acres of land west and adjoining- 
the west end of Emmittsburg, he continued the town and 
named it Shields' Addition. He improved the lay out by 
widening the alley on south side, laying the alley out in 
lots: 

I. Philip Nunemaker; 2. M. C. Adelsberger, 3. Jacob 
Oyster; 4. Jacob Oyster; 5. Sefton; 6. John Arm- 
strong; 7. Michael Row; 8. George Weaver; 9. Daniel Welty; 
10. James Nickleson; 11. James Moore; 12. Bernard Welty; 
13. Jacob Rickenbaugh; 53. Asa Webb; 54. Samuel Rom- 
gardner; 14. John Hengh; 15. Peter Honiker; 16. William 
Boner; 17. Frederick Row; 18. Mrs. George Smith; 19. 

Bowden; 20. Jacob Houck; 21. Mary Knox; 22. 

Margaret Knox; 23. David Agnew; 24. Joseph Row; 25. 
John Bader; 26. Joseph Danner; 55. McFadden; 56. 

Purccll; 57. Dugan. 

A ground rent of ten dollars was included in the pur- 
chase of each lot, which was collected for many years and 
abandoned. At odd times prior to the dates of lot owners 
named, Duphorn, Shockey, Walters, Smith, Cunningham, 
Moreland, Dugan, owned lots on Main street. Burket, 
Duncan, Lucket, colored people lived on alley. The tear- 
ing away of the tanyard and sale of lots of the Jacob 
Motter property was the extention of the west end, as well 
as the sale of the lot formerly connected with the hotel, 
Black's Tavern. 

FROM THE HUGHS' FAMILY RECORD. 

John Hughs, son of James, was a hatter in Emmitsburg. 
Capt. William Jennings came here a single man and mar- 
ried Lucy Brawner, daughter of Richard Brawner; James 
Hughs was the first captain of the militia of Emmitsburg 
in 1793, and had to march with his company against the 
whisky boys in 1794; he was one of the four trustees who 
built the Roman Catholic Church — James Hughs, Richard 
Jennings, Henry Arnold and Joseph Hughs; James Hughs 



51 

was the principal conductor of the building and planned 
the same in 1793; James Hughs also built the church at 
Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, two miles from town, in 1809. 
Christian Flautt, a tanner, who had the first tanyard in 
Emmitsburg, which he sold to Lewis Hotter in 1798; he 
married Hannah, daughter of Patrick Hughs; C. Flautt 
died in December, 1815. In 1783 Dr. Wrench, of Emmits- 
burg, and Dr. Coats, of Taney town, held a consultation; 
in 1783 Joseph Hughs says he attended school, the teachers, 
old master Lawrence and William Hutchinson, very good 
teachers; Joseph and Daniel Hughs kept store in a house 
on the land of Richard Elder in March, 1786; in August 
we moved to Emmitsburg to a house my father had built 
between Adam Hoffman, hatter, and a large frame then 
raised and under roof belonging to Samuel and William 
Shields; James Hughs purchased half of the lot and after- 
wards the other half, then joined the frame of his house 
together in which we kept store, until 1787, when I took 
out tavern license and we kept tavern and store together; 
times were hard, and we paid 20 per cent per annum for 
money; Richard Jennings had settled in Emmitsburg in 
the fall or winter of 1785 or '86, had purchased a small 
house, one story high from Samuel Shields on the corner 
of the Diamond, the centre of Emmitsburg, where he sold 
some store goods and sold rum and whisky by the small, 
until he purchased the next lot adjoining, where he began 
his brick house where brother James lives and his present 
wife, Lucy, formerly Mrs. Jennings; at the time we came 
to Emmitsburg there was only a few families that lived in 
it, viz., Richard Jennings, bachelor; John Rogers, who 
kept a tavern in the house where old John Troxell now 
lives, and Adam Hoffman, hatter, to trade adjoining us. 
In the house now owned by Peter Honiker and Michael 
Smith, a blacksmith, who built the house owned by George 
Winter, and Frederick Beard, who had the small house 
now built on Reed's lot; then built on the lot where Patrick 
Reed now lives, William Shields lived in tha house where 
Jenny Burket now lives, and this composed Emmitsburg in 



52 

1786. We had very rough beginning in tliistown, exerything 
was in the most plain and common way; tlie conntry peo- 
ple met almost every Satnrda\-; John Ripley was all the 
Jnstice of Peace for this place, Taney town and Pipe Creek; 
card playing began and the game of loo, which was prac- 
ticed very mnch, thongh in a small way at first; long bul- 
lets and fines were our general exercise and a little dance, 
and when the town becomes thicker inhabited, then comes 
dancing masters amongst us, also in the country, wdiich 
improved us that practice; there was always three Sundays 
we had no church and many holidays, but poorly. Joseph 
Hughs, the writer, married Polly Buchanan April 30th, 
1792, daughter of Dr. John Buchanan; he had removed 
from Taney town in 1791. I sold to Henry Arnold and 
Christian Flautt in the year 1791 my house and lot where 
Agnew's tavern now stands, and six lots where Motter's tan- 
yard now stands for 250 pounds, and then I purchased the 
corner house where Quin now lives from brother James 
Hughs for 425 pounds. I had purchased the house and lot 
from Daniel Gorden, that Jacob Troxell now owns, for 26 
pounds, just under roof, then sold the house and lot to John 
Troxell, father of Jacob Troxell, hatter, for 55 pounds. 

My brother Henry Hughs paid me fifty dollars yearly rent 
for the tavern part of the house, and I furnished him in all 
the articles for his tavern and all his liquors until my sister 
Hannah and Christian Flautt got married; then brother 
Henry quit the tavern and Henr}- Arnold took it on rent 
until I got tired of having a tavern so near me, and in 1793 
I sold my house to George Hockensmith for 360 pounds and 
I purchased a farm house from Emmit for 200 dollars where 
James Storm now lives. I built a chimney in same and 
finished in 1794; had my store in lower part, I raised a 
kitchen and built a stable; dug a draw well; sold it in 
spring of 1795. to Joseph Flautt of Littlestown for 
$1,200. Sometime before I had purchased from Richard 
Jennings on the Diamond a lot 30 feet square for 80 dollars, 
and built a frame house on it, where Bartholomew Mc- 
Caffery now lives, and I lived and kept store until 1804. 



53 



CHARACTER OF EARLY SETTLERS. 

In localities settled by the early emigrants a great deal of 
superstition prevailed, spooks, tokens, hobgoblins, &c. The 
different nationalities settling here appear to be free from 
this humbug, as no reference is made by the oldest citizen. 
It hks its origin amongst the ignorant. The class of per- 
sons settling here give evidence of being men of more than 
ordinary culture for that age. Hence, the lack of super- 
stition, take the first named person and his occupation, 
Capt. Richard Jennings, merchant. The merchants of that 
day and long after were all trained men, having served an 
apprenticeship; not so now. I w^ould put a wager, if we 
could decide it. Capt. Jennings was an educated man, and 
a trained merchant; Adam Hoffman, hatter, a trained me- 
clianic; John Rogers, tavern keeper. That did not mean 
the keeper of a grogery. Oh, no. It meant a fine gentle- 
man. Such as engaged in that occupation at that time. 
Michael Smith, blacksmith, an expert at the anvil, an in- 
telligent mechanic; Frederick Baird, carpenter, he has left 
evidence of his handiwork in the house he built; James 
and Joseph Hughs, merchants and architects. Could we 
suppose for one moment they, practical men, could harlor 
such deception. Never ! Samuel Emmit, a far-seeing 
man, a man of intelligence, Wm. Shields, a surveyor, 
always true to the compass; John Hughs, who built a two- 
story brick house; Christian Flautt, who built the first tan 
yard; John Ropley, a justice of the peace for Emmitsburg, 
Taneytown and Pipe creek; Martin and Margaret Cocoran, 
who taught the school in 1800. If the settlers unknown 
to us were of this class, which no doubt they were, we are 
assured superstition was below par. Later, the men who 
came, as settlers, evinced they were men of strong charac- 
ter. Whether in church, professions, merchants, mechan- 
ics, or what not, they gave a moral and religious tone to 
this entire community that it feels today, and is demon- 
strated by their decendents. The foundations laid by these 
first men, have never been dug out, nor will the structure 
they built upon them; their names are unknown; none of 



5A 

their posterity in many cases live here, but scattered 
throuo;h the West can be found, those whose ancestry were 
born here, and Emmitsburo^ is remembered, 

TAN YARDS. 

The first tan yard in the town was built by Christian 
Flautt. He sold it to Lewis Hotter in 1798, who success- 
fully carried it on until his death in 1837. Opening a store 
in part of his house, also acting as magistrate. It passed 
into the hands of his son Lewis, who continued the enter- 
prise until 1880, when he closed the vats and abandoned 
the business. 

Michael Sj^onseller carried on a tan yard at the same 
time at the lower end of town. This yard was not operated 
later than 1850. 

Jacob Oyster conducted a yard on lot east of foundry at 
an early date. Jacob Troxell married his daughter, con- 
tinuing the business until his death in 1833, after which 
his sous, Samuel and William, continued the yard until 
Samuel's death, 1851, when the yard was closed, William 
moving to Kentucky. 

Jacob Rickenbaugh conducted a yard at the west end, 
afterward lie moved to Waynesboro. Jacob Hotter contin- 
ued at same yard. 

In the county Arnold Livers below the college; Gorley 
up in the mountain; Robert Annan on Toms creek. This 
yard was burned, rebuilt, and continued for a time. Taylor 
Brothers purchased the farm connected with the yard, tear- 
ing down the buildings in 1876; today all are in ruins, thus 
an enterprise of great value to the community has pa.ssed 
awa)-. We observe when one enterprise ceases there is no 
other to take its place, and industries that once proved so 
profitable here, the same products have to be sought for 
elsewhere. Why is it ? 

GRIST MILLS. 
The oldest mill was the brick mill built by John Troxell, 
recently torn down by the Sisters, on Toms creek. It was 
built in 1778 or '79. In this mill meetings were held to 



55 

recruit and arrange matters for soldiers during Revolution- 
ary war. 

Philip Nunemaker built a brick mill on Toms creek in 
Pennsylvania. 

Crabbs built the mill known as Maxell's, now Martin's. 
Crabbs had a mill on Toms creek, below the pike. The 
Sisters had it later, then tore it down and built the present 
mill. 

Johnathan Hazelet built the Carroll mill about 1800, sold 
to James and Henry McDivit. James and Henry McDivit 
built the present mill Covers prior to 1825- About i860 
they rebuilt. 

Rhodes mill has been running perhaps a century; built 
by Kephart, 1800; Shultz owned, then Rhodes. 

The Hartman mill was built by Dr. Robert Annan for a 
clover mill, afterwards converted into a grist. 

The Grable mill is an old stand, perhaps a century old. 

The Sheets, Sell, Myers mill is an old mill, as George 
Sheets was one of the earliest men to settle in that section, 
1746 or earlier. At these mills meetings were arranged for 
whatever the community was interested in, as they were 
centres for the people to gather, many waiting for their 
grists. Young men met here to play cards, dominos, and 
pitch quoits. The trouble connected with the large water 
wheels in the winter time was overcome later by the tur- 
bine wheel. Now the picking of the burrs has been dis- 
placed by the improved roller process. 

The millers in this locality today are David Rhodes, 
George Ginglo, Cover, Cump, Howard Martin, Daniel 
Hartman. The present improved mills make superior 
flour to the old process, giving whiter bread, but some one 
says not so sweet. 

POST OFFICE. 

Poplar Fields was the name of first post office. William 
Greenemyer the first post master; he died in 1802, in his 
30th year, a son-in-law of John Troxell. The second post 
master was Patrick Reid, landlord of the Eagle hotel. The 
third was Louff, a German; the fourth, Joseph Hughs; fifth, 



56 

Joachim Elder; sixth, Dr. A. Taney; seventh, Joachim El- 
der; eighth, Robert Crooks. After liis death Jacob Crooks, 
his son; James Knanff, Maj. O. A. Horner, S. N. McLain, 
James A. Elder, S. N. McNair, James B. Elder, John A. 
Horner, Ezra R. Zimmeiman; after his death his wife, 
Emma Zimmerman, present incumbent. 

stagp: coaches and mail. 

Everybody has heard of the stage coach. It is within 
the memory of many in Emmitsbnrg. When the stage left 
here in the morning, very early, for Baltimore, the passen- 
gers having a whole day' s jogging along. Weary and worn 
out when they reached the city, no uncommon thing to 
have from ten to twelve passengers, besides the boot back 
and front filled with baggage, carrying the mail and stop- 
ping at Taneytown and Westminster to change the horses 
as well as the mail. An omnibus left Baltimore, headquar- 
ters Western hotel, Howard and Saratoga streets. If you 
wished to come west you went to this hotel and engaged 
passage. Early in the morning the driver in Emmitsburg 
would go along the street blowing a horn to awaken the 
passengers. This was continued until 1856, when the rail- 
road was made from Hanover to Littlestown, the stage run- 
ning daily there, carrying the mail. When the railroad 
was made to Gettysburg, 1858, Gettysburg was the point. 
Again the pa.ssengers and mail was transferred to the West- 
ern Maryland R. R. When completed to Westminster the 
coaches made the daily trips there. As the road advanced 
to Linwood, to Union Bridge, to New Windsor, York road, 
Double Pipe creek, R. Ridge and Thurmont. The stage 
continued running to Thurmont until the Emmitsburg rail- 
road was made. In 1872 the road was graded; the tracks 
laid 1875; the first train November 22d, 1875 — free excur- 
sion all day; the first mail on railroad December 6th, 1875; 
the first excursion to Baltimore November 27th, 1875. 400 
passengers on the train to Baltimore. John Donohue, the 
contractor; Taylor Brothers built the bridges. 

The mail at one time was carried on a horse from Fred- 
erick to Gettysburg. Later, i860, an omnibus was run be- 



57 

tweeii Emiiiitsbiirg and Frederick; each former was aban- 
doned as the railroad facilities increased; an incident in 
connection with staging as follows: The commencement at 
St. Joseph's was over Thursday ; wagons loaded with trunks 
starred early for Gettysburg; when they arrived there they 
could not deliver the baggage as the cars did not come fur- 
ther than New Oxford; the teams loaded with over a hun- 
dred and fifty trunks drove the ten miles, when the stages 
loaded with a hundred young ladies, from the school, fol- 
lowed on to New Oxford. That was the last train run west 
of Hanover until after the battle at Gettysburg. The wag- 
ons and stages returned via Littlestown. Ltehad crossed 
into Maryland; the next week the fight was on. One day 
later and those scholars would have been left. 

STILL HOUSES. 

These were dotted over the country on farms, at mills, 
seldom in towns. Amongst the earliest in this locality 
were John Grabill, Jonathan Hazelet, one on the John Eck- 
ard farm before 1800, George L. Shriner on Marsh creek, 
McDivit's on Toms creek, Rhodes on Middle creek, Eichel- 
berger's on Turkey run, Wagerman's, Cretins, besides re- 
port says many on cooking stoves, called illicit distilleries. 
This whiskey was not all drunk in the community. It was 
shipped to the city, whilst other liquors were brought from 
the cit}' to the town. 

In connection with the manufacture or sale of this article 
there has always been a suspicion that the parties thus en- 
gaged feel they are under ban, and the business is not right. 
Again the saying is common, "Liquor money will not 
stick." Without seeking information elsewhere, what has 
been the sequel to its sale and manufacture in this com- 
munity, at your leisure, count up the men from the days 
when Emmitsburg became a town, at Hockensmith's tav- 
ern, to this date, and count the number of men engaged in 
this calling during the interim, and make out a balance 
sheet. 

HOTKLS. 

The first record of a landlord is John Rogers, 1786, tav- 
ern keeper. At this time few taverns were needed, the 



58 

people staid at home, they had work, hard work, regular 
work, to build and till the soil. The travelers were on 
foot or on horse; the accommodations were limited, and 
beds of feathers or straw, covered with the old coverlet, 
flowered in gay colors, the chimney place the only fire in 
the house. The candle the only light. 

James Hughs built the Eagle Hotel, known as Mrs. Ag- 
new's and conducted it. Mrs. Agnew was the successful 
landlady, her house was filled with boarders, principally 
from the South. She died in 1853, when Hager refitted 
the house, continuing as proprietor for a few years, when 
Daniel Wile purchased his interest. A few days after the 
sale was consummated Hager and Wile were standing face 
to face examining a revolver, Hager having it in his hands. 
It discharged accidentally, the ball passing through Wile's 
neck. A bed was made on the parlor floor, where he re- 
mained until sufficiently recovered to be moved. This 
was about 1856 or 1857, directly after, the old hotel was 
torn down. The four-story hotel was built by Wile. It 
was burned in the fire of June 15th, 1863. 

Taylor Brothers built the present hotel. It was first con- 
ducted by Raphael Jarboe, afterward by Busby and Adels- 
berger, William Crouse, Harnish, Bowers, Eyster, Spang- 
ler, J. B. Elder. 

Black's Tavern was one of the old stands. After the 
death of Mrs. Black came Jerry Black, her son, then Guth- 
rie, Riddlemoser, Hoffman, Hoke, Hoffman. 

In 1879 Samuel Smith bought the property and built the 
Emmit House. After him Sutton, Hoke, Wilson, Hoke, 
Smith, Mnsselman, Hemler. 

Getter's Hotel was increased by the addition of all the 
property to the square. Devit of Philadelphia was the 
landlord. Burned in the fire 1863. 

Lowhead's Hotel, where the Joshua Motter property 
stands, other small taverns stood where the bank stands, 
Mrs. E. R. Zimmerman's house, and others. 

Slagle house first kept by William Spalding, then Slagle. 
No boarding houses in the town at any period, as the resi- 
dents keep house, strangers the hotel patrons. 



59 



PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. Brown settled on the banks of Toms creek. He is 
the earliest tradition tells of. Dr. Rench came whilst 
Brown was living, dying prior to 1800, buried at Toms 
creek. Dr. Robert Annan is next, born 1765, died 1827. 
His brother, Dr. Samuel Annan, was associated with him. 
He left Emmitsburg. Drs. Daniel and Robert Moore prac- 
ticed for a time; they removed to Baltimore. Dr. Buch- 
anan is spoken of Dr. James Shorb, Dr. W. Patterson, 
Jefferson Shields, Dr. Wells. Andrew Annan born 1805, 
died 1896. J. W. Eichelberger, 1804, died 1895; Augustus 
Taney, 1804-1853; Felix McNeal, John Grover, C. D. 
Eichelberger, J. W. Eichelberger, John B. Brawner, Robert 
L. Annan, J. K. Wrigley, Timothy Sweeney, Dr. Swartz, 
Dr. Troxell in country. E. D. Stone and I. B. Jamison. 
Dr. J. W. Reigle, horse farrier. 

The doctors of the long past carried a large pocket-book 
filled with the various drugs to compound the doses. No 
drug stores nor the handy prepared tablets and pills of the 
present day. 

DRUG STORE. 

William McBride opened a drug store in Dr. Patterson's 
one-story building, east of his dwelling, on the Square. 
About 1850 J. A. Elder purchased McBride' s stock and 
continued in this building till 1854, removing it to the old 
building, standing where he afterward erected the present 
one, continuing until his death in 1898, when T. E. Zim- 
merman bought the stock. He is the proprietor now. 

Dr. Charles D. Eichelberger opened a drug store in the 
present post office room in 1878. A few years after pur- 
chased his present building on opposite side, where he has 
continued to supply the trade. 

The general stores keep a limited stock of the coarser 
drugs, a custom dating back to the time when the stores 
were the only vendors of drugs, &c. 

MERCHANTS. 
In 1786 Capt. Richard Jennings built the first store room, 
where E. E. Zimmerman has his store, a one-story log house. 



60 

born 1759—1795- His widow, Lucy Jennings, married James 
Hughs, a merchant, who built a store where the bank stands. 
He was born 1735-1839- Patrick Lowe, 1781-1827; Patrick 
Quin, George Grover, 1779-1850; Lewis Motter, 1779-1837; 
George Smitli, 1780-1837; Isaac Baugher, 1787-1847; Joshua 
Motter, 1801-1875; J. W. Baugher, Adam P2pley, James Ker- 
rigan, Joseph Danner, Motter & Row, Fusting & McBride, 
McBride & Taney, James Storm, Storm & Smith, Smith & 
Clutz, J. C. Shorb, Troxell & Morrison, Moritz & Smith, 
Row & Annan, Fred A. Row, Henry Gel wicks. Mrs. J. P. 
Bussey, Smith & Shorb, Smith & Cash. Smith & Mclntire, 
Isaac Hyder, Hyder & Krise, J. Taylor Motter, D. Zeck, 
Horner & Co., G. W. Row, J. A. Helman, L S. Annan & 
Bro., Robert Gelwicks, D. S. Gillelan, J. & C. Row, J. C. 
Williams, Peter Burket, P. Hoke, Helman & Row, J. A. 
Helman, Wm. G. Blair. J. Thomas Gelwicks, Chas. Rotering, 
J. D. Caldwell, Hoke & Sebold, J. F. Hoke, W. D. Colliflower. 

DENTISTS. 

Denistry was an itenerancy for a long time in Emmits- 
burg. Dr. Lechler, of Waynesboro, Pa. , made liis monthly 
visits, making the old time gold plates. Dr. Geo. Foiike, 
of Westminster, came here monthly about 1854, and after, 
for many years, his son, still paying the town an occasional 
visit. Dr. Conner for a short time. Dr. J. W. Berry, of 
Virginia, came 1861, boarding at Wile's hotel, the first res- 
ident dentist. After spending two years here he moved to 
Hagerstown. Later, Dr. Keedy came. Then Dr. J. P. 
Bussey, for some years. Dr. Wright a few years. Dr. 
Anders made his monthly visits. Dr. Gall a short time. 
The present resident. Dr. Forman, since 1897. 

SILVERSMITHS. 

Bowden appears the first on the list. His honse was 
where J. Agnew lives. Seventy-five years ago he removed 
to Waynesboro. Spoons of his manufacture are still in 
possession of some families. Mr^ Andrew„Ky5ter came 
here about that time, continuing until his death, 1872. 



61 

Since, his son, Gea T.^ Eyster, has continued. Others have 
dropped in with a small stock of jewelry; the lack of pa- 
tronage prevented their permanent stay, therefore Mr. 
Eyster remains at the old stand. 

PROPERTY HOLDERS, 1808. 

John Armstrong, gunsmith; Joseph Hagan, Dr. Robert An- 
nan, Andrew White, John Buchanan, James Reed, John 
Hughs, merchant; James Hughs, merchant; Michael Wicks, 
Wm. McKinley; Wm. Long, sadler; Peter Horniker, farmer; 
George Smith, merchant; Peter Troxell, architect; Henry 
Fahnestock, Abraham Welty, hatter; Samuel Noble, Jacob 
Frenkle. blacksmith; Joseph Bruchey, tinner; Jacob Winters, 
flour store; George Boner, tavern; Geo. Winter, wheelwright; 
Lewis Motter, tanner; Patrick Reid, Jacob Troxell, hatter; 
John Troxell, miller; Jacob Banner, tailor; Richard Wills, 
Thomas Slothour, John Westfall, Wm. Hunter, Jacob Cress, 
Michael Oyster, tanner; Jacob Oyster, tanner; Henry Dis- 
hom, wheelwright; Henry Need, George Fouk, John Young, 
magistrate; Michael Sponseller, tanner; Philip Nunemaker, 
hardware store; Fredk. Gelwick, brewery; Peter Weikard. 
James Crocket, Jacob Harp; Peter Nack, John Trux, Thos. 
Carson, John Noel, Patrick Bradley, shoemaker; Lewis Crouse, 
Abraham J. Emmit, John Trenkle, blacksmith; John Row, 
cabinet maker; John M. Hoffe, John Huston, magistrate; Wm. 
Mittingly, Jacob Hughs, Lewis Weaver, chair maker; Jona- 
than Hazelet, miller. 

RESIDENTS OF TOWN IN 184O — FIRE COMPANY. 

The corporation required every man to become a mem- 
ber of the fire company; all were enrolled one Saturday in 
the month during the summer The engine was brought 
out; the street pump was the place of meeting; the clerk 
would mount the engine and call the names of the fire com- 
pany, each man answering to his name. If any were ab- 
sent there was a fine imposed. 

The engine was inspected and tried by pumping water 
from the well, then returned to the engine house. This 
meeting was at 2 o'clock; all was over in an hour. 



62 

Michael Sponceller, Abraham Sponceller, James Hutten, 
Mathias Gelwicks, Henry Gehvicks, Simon Mentzer, Francis 
Lytle, George W. Martin, Jeremiah Martin, Mathias Martin, 
Jacob Harner, John Zimmerman, Isaiah Zimmerman, John 
Zimmerman, George Sheets, Jacob Sheets, James Mooney, 
Zach. Jodun, John Hammit, William Patterson, Jefferson 
Shields, George M. Grover, Johnzee Hooker, Samuel Frantz, 
Joseph Cunningham, Jeremiah Knoler, Lawrence Dvven.John 
Barry, George Johnston, James Gribble, Michael JA^ise^ Au- 
gustus Taney, James Storm, William Eckenrode, Benedict 
Chivel, Abraham Welty, John Fisher, William Martin, Thos. 
Hays, John Doats, Ruben Baker, Oliver O. McLain, Jacob 
Hotter, John Nickum, Joseph Beachey, Thomas Reed, Joshua 
Hotter, Adam Epley, Patrick Kelly, M. C. Adelsberger, Eli 
Smith, JosepTi Horitz, Joshua Row, James Welty, Joshua 
Troxell, J. J. McCardy, Henry Winter, Lewis Hotter, Jere- 
miah Pittenger, Joachim Elder, William Otter, Isaac Baugher, 
Robert Crooks, Arthur McGinnis, Joshua Shorb, William Mc- 
Bride, Upton Koontz, Jacob Duphorn, John Dailey, Jacob S. 
Gelwicks, Peter Remby, William Waters, John McCullough, 
Lewis Wolf, Joseph Banner, Peter Sebold, Andrew Fowler, 
Charles Donnelly. William Worley, John Snouffer, James D. 
HcDonnel, Blackford Campbell, Henry Wills, Danjel Welty, 
John Duphorn, James Welty, George Smith, John Agnew, 
John G. Bader, George Row, Hoses Perry, H. Munshower, 
Andrew Eyster, Michael Helman, Conrad Russelmyer, Thos. 
Caldwell, Francis Magraw, William Hotter, James Knauff, 
John Hoover, Cornelius Lot, John Kellenberger, David Hite- 
shew, Joseph Little, Benjamin Webb, James L. WiseJ, John 
Hughs, S. A. Adelsberger, Joseph Snouffer, Joseph Hughs, 
John Hoover, John Fisher, Jacob Shockcy, George Troxell, 
Henry Rickenbaugh, Jeremiah Black, William Row, Andrew 
Annan, Philip Hardman, Dennis HcFadden, James Row, 
Samuel Baumgardner, Joseph Row, John Favourite, James 
Hosplehorn, Solomon Day, James Haguire, George Winter, 
William Frizzle, Samuel Favourite, William B. Pittenger, 
Thomas Welsh, Lewis Coppersmith, Jacob Fcascr, John Yerk, 



63 

John Miller, John Martin, James Bowie. Henry Little, William 
Tyson, Andrew VVelty, Samuel Flautt, Joseph Long, Jacob 
Snouffer, James Curran, Ezekial White, Isaac E. Pearson. 
At this writing but two are living of the 141 enrolled. 

PROPERTY HOLDERS l850tO I 86o. 

Dr. J. W. Eichelberger, Peter Honiker, Jane Morrison, Jas. 
F. Adelsberger, Mrs. Fred Row, Mrs. Bradley, Mrs. George 
Smith, Hugh Dailey, Frederick A. Row, Rev. Robert Grier, 
John Dailey, James A. Elder, Fredk. Troxell, James Hughs, 
John Barry, Presbyterian church, Jacob Sheets, James A. Do- 
ven, Mary Knox, Dennis Smith, Dr. Augustus Taney, Ste- 
phen Adams, Jacob S. Gelwicks, James Storm, Joseph Row, 
Catharine Biggs, Abraham Welty, Barbara Bader, Peter Rem- 
ley, John Nickem estate, George Mentzer, Andrew Welty, 
Joshua Shorb, Joshua Motter, Mrs. Arnold, Philip Hardman, 
James Hosplehorn, Dr. Wm. Patterson, David Agnew, An- 
drew Eyster, Joseph Long, Samuel Motter. Patrick Kelley, 
Daniel Getter, Mrs. N. Snider, Henry Winter, Mrs. Boyle, 
Wm. Ulrich, Michael Helman, Major Mooney, Mrs. Har- 
mange, George Winter, Isaac E. Pearom, Wm. Pepple. Priests' 
House, Mrs. Diffendal, Jeremiah Pittenger, John Zimmerman, 
Mrs. Sheeler Stuart, Joachim Elder, Jacob Harner, Jones and 
Hardman, F. X. Deckelmyer, John Hoover, Isaac ¥.. Pear- 
son. Mrs. Agnew's hotel, Jane Hutton, Reformed Parsonage, 
James W. Baugher, Washington Martin, Joseph Moritz, Jesse 
W. Nusser. Simon Mentzer, Joshua Troxell, Samuel Morrison, 
Fredk. Gelwicks, Adam Guthrie, Martin Whitmer, Michael 
Sponseller, Jacob Motter, John Miller, Joseph Snouffer, Mrs. 
Black's tavern, Joseph Beachey, Francis Smith, Dr. Andrew 
Annan, Ed. McBride, Ruben Baker, Mrs. Josey Danner, Wm. 
Hilechen, John Favourite, Lewis M. Motter. 

PROPERTY OWNERS I906. 

Meadt Patterson, Charles Gillelan, Cameron Ohler; Beecher 
Ohler, Annie Shriver, Morris Gillelan, Robert Patterson, 
Mrs. Margaret Arnold, Mrs. George L. Gillelan, John Reif- 
snider, John Glass, John Harting, Mary McCallion, James 



64 

Mullen. Mrs. John Neck, John Elour heirs, John Hopp, Charles 
McCarron, Tyson Lansinger, Teter S'-ibold, Mrs. Martin, John 
Hosplehorn, George M. Morrison, John F. Topper, Hannah 
GiHelan, George P. Beam, Mrs. Isaac Hyder, Harry Harner, 
Dr. J. W. Eichelberger, Vincent Sebold, J. A. Elder, Eugene 

E. Zimmerman, Isaac S. Annan, Mrs. J. Welty, J. H. Row, 
Sterling Gait, Presbyterian parsonage, Lewis M. Motter, 
Michael Hoke, Susan Winter, J. A. Helman, S. N. McNair, 
Mrs. H. Winter, George T.^Eyster, John T. Gelwicks, Samuel 
Eyster, Louisa and Hallie Motter, Henry Stokes, Mrs. E. R. 
Zimmerman, Methodist Episcopal Church, Charles F. Row, 
Mrs. Jacob L. Hoke, Peter Hoke heirs, Albert Patterson, F. 
A. Maxell, Presbyterian Church, James T. Hays, Nathaniel 
Row, Mrs. John Agnew, Laura Smith and sisters, K. H. Row, 
Mrs. Thomas Bushman, Mrs, Frederick Hardman, Francis 
A. Kritz, Mrs. James Mitchell, Emmit House, John Sifert, 
Charles Rotering, Mrs. F. Welty, T. C. Wachter, Frank 
Stoner, Oscar Fraley, David Hill, Lewis Zimmerman, Hettie 
Parker, P. G. King, George Kugler, George T. Fraley, E. L. 
Annan, E. S. Waddle, Joseph Caldwell, Charles Landers, James 
Hosplehorn, Mrs. S. N. McNair, A. Harner, A. A. Annan, 
M. F. Shuff, Mrs. O. A. Horner, V. E. Row, M. F. Row, 
William Warner, L. Overholtzer, Reformed parsonage, Mrs. 

F. Lambert, William Morrison, Pius Felix, C. T. Zacharias, 
Dr. E. Stone, Mrs. John Barry, Annan, Horner & Co., Dr. 
R. L. Annan, E. L. Row, PLdward Cristimer, Q. K. Shoe- 
maker, Charles Rosensteel, Mrs. Jacob Gillelan, Theopholis 
Gelwicks, Edward Miller, James Baker, John Slagle, Philip 
Snouffer, John L. Long, Mrs. Troxell, James Riffle, Mary 
Wallace, Louisa Constant, William C. CoUiflower, Reformed 
Church, Lutheran parsonage, Philip Lawrence, Charles Zeck, 
William Spalding, Julia Wordsworth, William Lansinger, 
George Gelwicks, Neal Buckingham, John Mcntzer, Mahlon 
Whitmore, William Daywolt, Conrad Sifert, W. F. Zurgable, 
W. B. Ashbaugh, Bennet Polder, Mrs. Anthony, Nicholas 
Baker, Daniel Stouter, Albert Bowling, PLnoch P'riz7.cll, P^d. 
Payne, Mrs. F. A. Adelsberger, Mrs. Pampel, Dr. C. I). VAch- 



65 

elberger, Charles Kretzer, Joshua Norris, Mrs. W. G. Blair, 
Cornelius Gehvicks, John Jackson, Mrs. Sponseller, Mrs. 
Harbaugh, Albert Adelsberger, Annie Riley, Priests house, 
Ed. Hummerick, Mrs. Keim, Mrs. Cook, John Dukehart, 
Ann Brown, Row Ohler. 

Item. — More than seventy years ago John Nickum was 
passing through his lot one moonlight night and was at- 
tacked by a vicious dog of his neighbor, John Fisher; he 
backed further and further until he found a club with which 
he killed the dog; he put the dog across his shoulders hold- 
ing it astride his neck, holding the feet on each side to 
carry it to the run, as he did not wish it known. When he 
arrived at the Lutheran church a black man came up the 
lane; when he saw this object he ran at break-neck speed. 
Next morning the negro reported he had seen the devil, 
describing it; the town was excited over this episode until 
Nickum told the whole story. 

CORPORATION OF EMMITSBURG. 

There is no doubt when the town was laid out in lots; 
the citizens lived in peace; the rustic age did not require 
the corporate laws that the later and more expansive age 
did. 

In 1808 the plat of the town made by Andrew Smith 
gives three trustees as the geverning body: Frederick Gel- 
wicks, Lewis Motter and Samuel Noble. This mode of 
government continued until the first charter was obtained 
in the year 1825, when a burgess was elected and a new 
system inaugurated. The oldest record from which infor- 
mation is obtainable is 11840 and years following. A sec- 
ond Act passed by the Maryland Assembly, 1843, gave 
powers not included in former Act. The burgess' books 
prior to 1840 are not to be found, hence all is a blank be- 
tween dates. 

Commissioners, 1840 — Joseph Welty, Henry Rickenbaugh, 
John Zimmerman, Jeremiah Pittenger, Zacharias Jodun, Wm. 
Mooney. 

1841, Burgess — W. B. Pittenger; Commissioners, Henry 



66 

Rickenbaugh, James Storm, Joseph Welty, Fredk. Gelwicks, 
John Zimmerman, Joshua Shorb. 

1842, Burgess — John Zimmerman; Commissioners, James 
Si"orm, Joshua Shorb, Dr. Augustus Taney, Michael Helman, 
James Hosplehorn. 

1843 — Burgess, John Zmimerman; Commissioners, Isaac 
Baugher, George Sheets, Andrew Eyster, Joshua Shorb, John 
Miller, Dr. J. W. Eichelberger. 

1849, Burgess — I. E. Pearson; Commissioners, J. W. 
Baugher, Joseph Moritz, Alfred Jones, Samuel Troxell, Wm. 
Mooney, John Miller. 

1850, Burgess — Jacob S. Gelwicks; Commissioners, J. W. 
Baugher, Isaac E. Pearson, Jacob Sheets, Wm. Mooney, Sam- 
uel Motter. 

The clerk and treasurer was elected by commissioners 
outside the body. Salary of burgess, $7; salary of clerk, 
$7; salary of collector of raxes, $10; constable, |io. 

The following served as burgess; pages missing from old 
records prevent complete list: 

Wm. B. Pittenger, 1841; John Zimmerman, 1842, 1843; 
Isaac E. Pearson, 1847; Jacob S. Gelwicks, 1850; M. C. Ad- 
elsberger, 1854; Patrick Kelly, 1858, 1/859: Andrew P2yster, 
i860; D. G. Adelsberger, 1861,1862; M. Sweeney, 1863, 
1864, 1865; Andrew Eyster, 1866; M. C. Adelsberger, 1867; 
M. Sweeney, 1868,1869, 1870; D. G. Adelsberger, 1871; 
Henry Stokes, 1872; Martin Sweeney, 1873; John F. Hopp, 
1874; M. Sweeney, 1875; John F. Hopp, 1876, 1877, 1878, 
1879; J. H. T. Webb, 1880, 1881; Isaac Hyder, 1882, Henry 
Stokes, 1883; John G. Hess, 1884, 1885; Wm. G. Blair from 
1886 to 1897; M. V. Shufffrom 1897 to 1902; Philip Snouffer, 
1902, 1903; E. L. Frizzell, 1904, 1905; M. F. Shuff, 1906. 

The first board of commissioners elected after the new 
charter November 7tli, in 1854, were Patrick Kelly, Henry 
Stokes, Dr. J. W. liichelberger, Richard Gilson, Fred. A. 
Row, Joshua Row and Charles Shorb, tha<- took a forward 
move in executing their official duties; these men started 
a crusade against crime; men could be seen on the street 



67 

drunk, and committing conduct unbecoming a civilized 
town ; the public was powerless to stop it; now arrests were 
made, men fined indiscriminately until the spirit of rowdy- 
ism was quelled; the burgess was sustained by an honor- 
able body of commissioners; they inaugurated a clean up 
club and fined the people who permitted a nuisance; the 
streets received the first attention towards their present 
good condition. 

The present board commissioners, J. Thomas Gelwicks, 
John S. Long, Oscar D. Fraley, E. E. Zimmerman, James 
Mullen, John Dukehart. Burgess, M. F, Shuff. Lamp- 
lighter and constable, $250.00; burgess, $15.00; clerk, 
$10.00; tax collector, $18.00. 

MAGISTRATES. 

As far back as 1777, in the deed made by Christian 
Keefer to Peter Troxell, the names of Jacob Young and L. 
Boulas, are attached as magistrates. John Huston and 
Henry Williams were magistrates in 1804. Wm. Emmit 
before and after 1800. Patrick Owens later. Lewis Hotter, 
Major Wm. Mooney, Michael C. Adelsberger, Frank 
Hoover, James Knauff, David Agnew, Andrew Eyster, 
Geo. W. Troxell, Martin Sweeney, Henry Stokes, J. Thos. 
McBride, F. A. Maxell, M. F. Shuff, J. M. Kerrigan. 

CARPENTERS. 

In the list of names of the first settlers of Emmitsburg, 
we find Richard Baird, carpenter, who built the brick 
house now Presbyterian parsonage. George Smith was a 
builder. In 1814 he erected the Lutheran steeple. Peter 
Troxell, architect. In 1818 James Storm came to Emmits- 
burg; he erected some of the buildings at St. Joseph's 
Convent. James Taylor was a prominent builder; amongst 
the structures put up by him was the Monocacy bridge on 
Baltimore road; Tehen, a Frederick carpenter, built 
Clairvoux and the R. C. Church in town and some of the 
College buildings. Joshua Sliorb, Jeremiah Black, John 
Miller, Jacob Rife, in their day, were the leading builders; 
after these Tyson & Lansinger, Sebastian Florrence, Wil- 



68 

Ham Row, Samuel Flaiitt, Ed. Baker, George Springer, 
E. Florrence. 

Ite7n. — James Storm was a man of scientific mind, an 
architect of no mean capacity; always a student, he gave 
his attention to the collection of curiosities, Indian relics, 
shells, minerals; he had a room shelved, cased and nicely 
arranged for display; a valuable collection; at his death it 
was sold and taken away; it should have remained as a 
nucleus for a greater one for the town. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school master of the village was Thomas Cock- 
lin. At the beginning of the century, 1800, Martin 
Cocoran taught the large scholars and Miss Cocoran the 
primary department; after a time Mr. Sanders, then Mr. 
Malady and William Mullen came; establishing his mathe- 
matical academy on Church street, the old people thought 
well of Mullen; next came Isaac Burbank; he was an up- 
to-date teacher; some of the older citizens were pupils, and 
quote him yet; he married the daughter of Jacob Troxell, 
the hatter; opposition to the marriage caused them to run 
away; they settled in Indiana, doing well; their daughter 
married Governor Morton, afterward U. S.^Senator Oliver 
P. Morton. James Knauff and Robert Crooks taught the 
young ideas how to shoot if they were severe. Oliver Mc- 
Lean, Derios Thomas, Pearson, Donnelly, Barrack, Fish, 
Packard, Hill, Seabrooks, Kerrigan, Frazer and many 
more, good, bad and indifferent, very few the children 
liked. Mrs. Reid taught a private school. Miss Martha 
Moore was a teacher of note for children, she was an expert 
in the primary. The teachers today in the public school are 
Lloyd Palmer, principal; Miss Ruth Hoke and Miss Sallie 
Miller, assistants. The first school house was at the inter- 
section of the Gettysburg road and alley dividing the 
priest's lot. On that vacant point all the children back of 
1820 attended there. A large brick house was erected, on 
the lot where St. Euphemia school house stands. It was 



69 

divided by a partition, separating^ the male and female. 
Here up to about 1880 the public school for boys was con- 
ducted, prior to i860 a good house for a girls school was 
erected on the vacant lot between the Methodist cemetery 
and Patterson's stable. The two school houses were torn 
down and the house in which George Kugler lives erected 
out of the material; after serving the purpose for a few 
years, the present building on the pike was erected. About 
1830 a brick school house was built on part of the Luth- 
eran Church lot. Here a select school was taught by com- 
petent teachers, giving instructions not to be had in the 
public schools at that time. When the cemetery was en- 
larged it was torn down. Richard Gilson taught a private 
school in a house standing where Dr. Eichelberger's gar- 
den is. Rev. G. W. Anghenbaugh and E. E. Higbee 
taught a select school where the vacant lot of A, A. An- 
nan is. 

The St. Euphemia house was built to accommodate their 
increasing school, which occupied the hall built by the Ro- 
man Catholics and town, corner Gettysburg street and 
Green street. 

SIX-HORSE TEAMS. 

All hauling from Baltimore to the west was done by 
teams, usually six horses. This town was on the route to 
Pittsburg, hundreds of teams during the year passing east 
and west; an occasional team was decorated with bells; 
these teams would travel in companies from a few to a dozen 
or more, for protection and help, stopping at night at one 
of the many taverns along the road. These taverns had 
large wagon yards to accommodate these almost daily visi- 
tors; the teamster would select a spot to stand his wagon, 
take the feeding trough from the rear of wagon, fasten it 
to the tongue, and tie his horses on either side to feed and 
rest through the night; no other accommodation regardless 
of rain, snow, wind or heat; no blankets to cover in winter; 
this was a wagoner's life. The teamster carried his bed, 
unfolding them, they spread them on the floor of the bar- 



70 

room and slept. As their teams approached the town it 
was a common thing to see a crowd of boys run to the end 
of town to meet them, and walk beside the teamster. It 
was an occupation every boy intended to follow when he 
was a man. These wagons were loaded with goods for the 
merchants out west; returning they brought flour, whiskey, 
hides, dried fruit and many other articles. The millers in 
this locality sent flour to Baltimore by teams belonging to 
the farmers, who in return hauled goods for the merchants 
here. This was before railroads were running; when the 
railroads were made it ceased, and the taverns closed along 
the roads. 

PEDDLERS. 

In the long past peddlers with horse and wagon and pack 
peddlers were plentiful; the cheap license enabled a new 
Jew, for they alone followed it, to make a good living, with 
a small amount invested. Some carried packs, a burden 
for a horse. One of the early peddlers who frequented these 
parts was Arnold Schiteling, a regular visitor, horse and 
wagon; these men carried dry goods principally; the high 
license put an end to it. 

COOPERS. 
This industry gave employment to a great number of 
hands; being near the timber barrels were made here and 
shipped. All the flour was barreled; whiskey made at the 
distilleries here and Frederick were supplied with barrels 
from here. In 1812 John Young, afterwards Michael C. Ad- 
elsberger, was the most extensive manufacturer; Henry 
Poller, Joseph Felix, besides nearly every mill had a cooper 
shop attached to the mill. 

CIGARS. 

In 1847 James Storm opened a store; he had one journey- 
man cigar maker to manufacture fine cigars; the cheap 
cigars called tobies sold for 16 cents a hundred, the half 
Spanish for ■x,']]', cents or two for one cent, tobies four 
for a penny. Mr. Storm carried on for about a vear. In 



71 

1850 Michael Helman had two, sometimes three men mak- 
ing^ cigars, in connection with his other business; he dis- 
continued in a few years. Not until 1868, when Frank 
Scheek made cigars, was the manufacture of cigars carried 
on again. In 1885 James A. Hicky worked a number of 
hands for a few years; he discontinued when Charles 
Miller, of Frederick, carrie'd on for about two years, re- 
turning to Frederick. Mahlon Whitmore came from 
Thurmont, opening a factory, which he continues to the 
present time. 

HATTERS. 

This was an occupation second to none in each com- 
munity, as every head required a hat, and all the hats were 
made by the local hatters. Major John Harrit carried on 
where the Slagle Hotel stands; he was born 1779, and died 
in Baltimore 1856; is buried in Roman Catholic cemetery-. 
Jacob Troxell carried on the business where J. Harry Row 
lives; he was born in 1767, died 1852, is buried in Luth- 
eran cemetery. Abraham Welty carried on where Payne 
lives; he was born in 1774, died 1876, buried in Roman 
Catholic cemetery. John Hitechew was an old man when 
working journey work for Henry Winter where the Misses 
Winter's live. The manufacturing of hats closed up all 
the local enterprises. Hats like all others. 

Saltzgiver made hats where Hopp, the baker, lives; with 
him the industry ceased in Hmmitsburg. 

MILLINERS. 

A milliner was a lady that understood the art of trim- 
ming hats; she did not sell bonnets, hats, ribbons, flowers, 
silks for lining, &c. ; these articles were kept in stock by 
the merchants. The ladies selected their bonnets and 
trimmings, taking them to the milliner. She did the work, 
charging a nominal price for it, usually employing a num- 
ber of young girls, who intended to follow the trade. Miss 
Kate Curren and Mrs- Blair are remembered as the old- 
time milliners. Miss Kate Cash was the first to carry a 



72 

stock of material in millinery. She had her store in the 
east end of Mrs. E. R. Zimmerman's house. It revolu- 
tionized the trade. The merchants closed out their stock, 
and the milliner made a success of the business. Mrs. D. 
G- Adelsberger, Jacob Hoke, Misses Susan and Lunnie 
Winter and Miss Helen Hoke to date. 

CONFECTIONERIES. 

The places for childen to spend money were few sixty to 
seventy -five years ago; whilst they had little to spend, 
places to spend that were, Mrs. Boyles, a few jars stick 
candy and a few ginger cakes, and Mrs. Hitechew, ginger 
cakes and small beer. Mrs, Hitechew was noted for her 
ginger cakes; the young men and maidens were frequenters 
at both places for refreshments. In 1847 James Stonn built 
the office of Dr. Stone for a store; he opened out the first 
stock of candy ; it was an up-to-date assortment; the people 
appreciated the opportunity and he profited by their pat- 
ronage. A year later F. X. Deckelmyer, a candy manu- 
facturer and practical cake baker, opened where the store 
of Rotering stands, where he kept candy, cakes and toys; 
he made the first ice cream for sale in the town. He built 
the brick house of E. E- Zimmerman in 1852, where he 
carried on until about 1868, when he sold out to Mrs. Sea- 
brooks; now ten stores carry in their stock confectionery; 
prior to 1850 bananas were not seen in this market; oranges 
never sold for less than five cents; too high for the children 
of that age, as money was not so plentiful as now. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The first newspaper published in Emmitsburg was edited 
and printed by E. S. Riley, called The Banner^ 1841. 
After publishing it three months he sold out to Troxell, 
Duphorn & McTale. We hear of it no more. 

In 1844 Mr. C. Grate published the lunmitshuyg Star in 
a shop on the lot where Bennet Ty.son lives; he continued 
for several years, and it is heard of no more. 

In 1879 Samuel Motter established the Iimniitsbiirg 
Chro7iicle^ carrying it on successful!}' through its infancy; 



73 

making it an assured fact that a paper can be edited and 
sustained here; he died in 1889, after which time his son 
Paul conducted the paper. Later William Troxell pur- 
chased the plant, continuing it until June, 1906, when 
Sterling Gait, of Washington, bought it. Since the first 
it has been publisher in the room over J. A. Row's shoe 
shop. In July, 1906, Mr. Gait purchased the brick store 
building of G. W. Row's heirs, and moved the plant into 
it. The old hand press has been laid by, a new outfit in- 
stalled, with all the modern improvements. 

We seldom think of the deprivation of the past. The 
weekly papers from Baltimore came late Friday night; the 
only papers received were the weeklies — Stin and Clipper^ 
until 1851. Albert Potterfield opened a store where S. N. 
McNair's house stands; he arranged to have the daily Sun 
sent him each day; he had a few subscribers. J. A. Helman 
sold the papers on the street, one cent each. The paper 
was four pages. His store burned in 1852. Mr. Andrew 
Eyster took the agency and the papers have been a daily 
visitor ever since. The American^ Sun and Chronicle are 
served regularly at this time. 

STREET PUMP. 

In the Square, displaced by the fountain, is a well dug 
no doubt by the first settlers in 1780 or earlier, or at least 
1786, when the town was laid out. This was a custom, to 
dig a well in the square when a town was laid out. There 
the people of all classes and colors slaked their thirst; from 
this well some of the families around the Square obtained 
their water, not having wells on their properties; here the 
boys drank from the spout just like a boy can drink; pass- 
ing teams were watered here daily; cows were watered also. 
It has been said any boy that has drunk from this well will 
never lose his desire to return to his old home. What if 
he comes now, and cannot get a drink? Does not certain 
objects, familiar scenes make life what it is to us all; the 
removal of a tree changes. the aspect. The thirsty need 
water, can this be had in Emmitsburg today at any public 



74 

place? only at a private house, hotel or saloon. When the 
pump stood on the Square all could drink, man and beast, 
day or night, summer or winter. 

OYSTERS. 

This feast of bivalves the people of today enjoy is some- 
thing in olden time was a luxury indeed. Time was when 
the only oysters the people of Emmitsburg enjoyed was 
when some huckster or team had no return load from the 
city brought oysters, selling them at 25 cents a bushel along 
the streets. Many were the family shuckings as they 
roasted them in the tin-plate stove. Young men and 
maidens often partook of them in company. Later John 
Burket arranged to sell oysters; shipped to him he carried 
them along the street, his melodious voice singing: 
My oysters is fresh, and just from de shell, 
I don't know de reason my oysters don't sell. 

LIGHTS. 

The present lighted streets and flood of light in the 
houses, from the improved burners, give a striking contrast 
to the olden times when the light of other ages, the pine 
knot or tallow dip, gave a satisfied people pleasure in what 
they possessed. 

It was the universal light; the well-to-do had no ad- 
vantage over the poor; there was no other alternative, use 
the dip or sit in darkness. Some of the heirlooms in can- 
dlesticks if they could tell, oh, what would it be? Court- 
ships, marriages, sick-beds, death scenes, the only light the 
tallow dip. The tailors sat around the candle working on 
the cloth; the shoemaker at his shoes; the wife at her sew- 
ing; the merchant in almost darkness. This continued 
until the lard lamp was invented; there was more apprecia- 
tion of this change than at present over the change from 
an oil lamp to electric light. Late in the fifties kerosene 
oil was refined and lamps made to burn it; one wick No. r 
satisfied the people; the size was increased, Argand burners 
invented, then duplex, latest Rochester, now we are at the 
Apex; houses lighted beyond its use. It does not stop; 



75 

acetylene in the cluirches, in the houses, on the streets, 
electric light in prospect. View the changes compared 
with the dip; are we satisfied? 

Item. — The warehouse of Zimmerman & Co. was built 
for a machine shop by Joshua Shorb, Charles Miles and D, 
G. Adelsberger; they carried on a machine shop, foundry 
and blacksmith shop. The machine shop and contents 
were moved to Westminster, when Mr. Shorb left, 1868, 
Zimmerman and Maxell bought the property and moved 
their warehouse business from the station. It is now used 
by Zimmerman & Shriner for a warehouse. 

POTTERY. 

Samuel Baumgardner manufactured clay pots in the 
house known as Peter Brown's, between 1830 and 1840. 

FOUNDRY. 

Jones & Hardman erected the building and started 
the present foundry; Fraley built the present brick 
shop; the log shop replaced by the brick was Hardman's 
smith shop, standing where the brick shop stands of Mrs. 
F. Hardman. It was rolled from up street down to the 
foundry; Jones sold his interest to Frederick Troxell, mov- 
ing west. Troxell died in 1852; Hardman continued the 
plant; later sold it to Joseph Hays & Bro., who sold it to 
Fraley Brothers. 

GUNSMITH. 

John Armstrong was early in the town, as his name is on 
the plat of 1808 as owner of No. i and 2 lots; his reputa- 
tion as a gunsmiih was good; he made rifles and shot guns; 
dying, the business was continued by his former apprentice, 
Nathaniel Row, who retained Armstrong's reputation; his 
brother Samuel worked with him until he went west. David 
T. HofF is the only repairer of guns between Frederick and 
Gettysburg and Waynesboro and Westminster; he is a 
dandy as well as a No. i mechanic; very fond of artistic 
pictures. 



76 

BRICK YARDS. 

Very early a brick yard was conducted by George Houck 
where John Bell lives; David Gamble made brick along 
Toms creek before 1840; he supplied all the brick for a 
long time; Hopkins Skile made some on the Byers farm; 
Thomas Clabaugh, and T. M. Stouter, afterward J. M. Stou- 
ter was the manufacturer; he added tile making; after his 
death his son continued. 

BEER. 

Frederick Gelwicks manufactured beer at the old stand 
very early, 1800, continuing it till his death, when his son 
Mathias continued it until other beers made it unprofitable. 
John Elour, a German, came here i860, a basket maker; 
later he started a beer cave, conducting it with profit; he 
retired and built a double brick house with the nickles the 
boys spent with him. 

TAILORS. 

The town had tailor shops, good mechanics, where work 
could compare with tailors any where. We do not know 
who the early tailors were, save John Devoy, i8ii-'i2. 
Away back in the history of the tailors McMasters, who 
carried on where the bank now stands was a noted tailor. 
Jeremiah Pittinger carried on in the house now J. Henry 
Row's; John Zimmerman was one of the old tailors, living 
on the lot where Mrs. Blair lives; he had a shop below the 
house; his sons were tailors, John and Alven. Jeremiah 
Cridler, James Hosplehorn, Patrick Kelly, who did a large 
business, doing the work for the College, carr^'ing the 
stock in the storeroom of J. A. Helman. France P. Blair, 
J. H. T. Webb, C. Banner, Jefferson Favourite. Today 
we are without a tailor. 

BARBERS. 

The barber had a poor field to operate in prior to i860; 
an occasional stranger dropped in. Abraham Welty, after 
hat making failed him, took to barbering, between playing 
his fiddle and his few customers he eked out a livelihood. 



77 

Upon one occasion Colonel Harney was stopping^ at Mrs. 
Agnew's hotel, he called npon Mr. Welty for a shave; he 
gave the old man a $2.50 gold piece. Welty never ceased 
to speak of Col. Harney. We have had barbers white and 
barbers black. Not nntil Charles Kretzer furnished his 
shop complete did we have a barber shop up to date; located 
in his own house, between the Slagle House and Eichel- 
berger's drug store. Brinkner, who has recently opened a 
barber shop opposite the foundry is complete in his shop 
also. Few towns can boast of such good accommodations 
in this line. 

KIDNAPPING NED. 

Ned, or Ned Crummel, a colored barber, held forth near 
1844 in the Barr}- room. Solomon Day, a stone cutter, 
was in the chair, when Tom Finigan and Mulhoni entered 
his shop; they seized Crummel and overpowered him, tying 
his hands (Day scared badly), succeeded in getting him to 
the Square, where they had a vehicle to carry him off. At 
this juncture — the people excited to a lynching point were 
stopped by Dr. Andrew Annan, who came riding up street, 
jumped off his horse, inquired the cause, using his knife to 
cut the rope, and freed Ned. These men persisted in a 
claim due on his service term, their pretext for the seizure. 
Richard Gilson was sent for, who had some knowledge of 
the dispute; when he came it was proven beyond a doubt 
a fraud and Ned was free. They left speedily or summary 
punishment would have been inflicted on them. 

NEGRO WOMAN HUNG. 

Jacob Troxell, the tanner, son of John, owned a black 
girl, Kitty; for her disobedience he sent her to Peter Trox- 
ell's farm; she became dissatisfied with farm work and re- 
turned to her master; she was told she could remain at 
home so long as she obeyed, her first disobedience would 
send her back to the farm. A few nights after she stole 
away and set fire to Peter Troxell's barn; barn and house 
were burned. She taking this plan to remain in town. 



78 

She was tried for the crime, found guilty, and hanged in 
Frederick May 20th, 1820. 

CALIFORNIA FEVER. 

The California fever of 1849 induced some in this place 
to seek the golden treasure — George Grabill, George Hock- 
ensmith, Dr. James Shorb, John Davis, Francis Hoover, 
Richard Gilson, Jeremiah Martin. They all found graves 
in California but Gilson, Shorb and Martin. 

STATE MILITIA. 

The military formed under the State law were compelled 
to muster at stated times; these days were known as muster 
days. Review days in 1848 when war with Mexico was in 
progress, the State militia was regularly drilled at stated 
times. The following companies in Emmitsburg, a troop of 
horsemen, Capt. J. W. Baugher; they presented an inspiring 
sight; the long white horse tail floating in the breeze from 
their hats; a finely uniformed body of men. One company 
of infantry, Capt. Manning, atterward Capt. Anthony Mc- 
Bride; this company was equipped with guns; one com- 
pany, Capt. Alfred Jones, Lieut. Henry Winter; one com- 
pany, Capt. John Taylor, called the corn stalk company; 
these companies were not called into active service; Fur- 
ney, the old fifer, played for them. H. J. Favourite was 
with Gen. Scott at city of Mexico; James Bowers enlisted, 
but got no further than New York. 

MILITARY AT MT. ST. MARV'S. 

Mt. St. Mary's college boys had two companies prior to 
i860. One the large boys, uniformed and equipped with 
guns, the other bows and arrows; regularly on Washing- 
ton's birthday they came to tdwn to parade. It was a gala 
day for all; the band was a fine one, led by Dr. Henry 
Diehlman, James D. Hickey and other professors and young 
men; when the bow and arrow boys shot the arrow in the 
air, the town boys had a scramble for possession of them; 
the day was one of merry making for militia and town; the 
president of the college and other officials accompanied 



79 

them in a carriage; after this day the town boys usually 
formed one or more companies to drill; boy-like it lasted 
until something else presented itself, a show or foot race, 
to divert them ; the boys engaged in foot races on the Fred- 
erick road. 

SHOEMAKERS. 

This army of mechanics can only be named as heads of 
the trade. Radford in his day was a leading man; Noah 
Walker, who achieved so great success as a clothing mer- 
chant in Balimore, learned the shoemaking trade with Rad- 
ford; amongst the later is Joseph Hoover, his son John 
Hoover, John Barry, Lawrence Dwen, Isaac Wright, Ar- 
thur McGinnis, Joseph Row, his sons Joshua, Eli and James, 
Stephen Adams, John Hopp, Jacob Lantzer, Philip Law- 
rence, M. F. Row; at one time as many as twenty-five men 
worked at the bench. It was difficult to get shoes; today 
but two are engaged in the trade; the manufacture of shoes 
has destroyed this enterprise in the towns. 

WAGON MAKERS. 

This was a business employing many hands; the work 
of a farming community like this required their wagon 
making and repairing; first, Henry Dishour was here in 
1787; George Winter was the prominent worker; they built 
the large road wagons as well as all other kinds; G. Winter 
was here as early as i7j^6f^John Nickum carried on 
where the Reformed church stands, 1840; his son John car- 
ried on where Mrs. Lambert lives.^ Asa Webb was one of 
the early wagon makers; had his shop where Mrs. John 
Neck lives; Benjamin, his son, carried on where John 
Glass lives; James Wise carried on on the lot John Jackson 
built; Nicholas Baker, Hess & Weaver, Dukehart & Cri- 
somer carried on coach making. 

BLACKSMITHS. 

In 1786 Michael Smith was the blacksmith of the town; 
Ben Smith, called Ben the Ranger, 1830; later Wilson car- 
ried on where John Mentzer lives; Thomas Reed in the 



80 



Frizzel property ; George Mentzer where Henry Stokes lives ; 
Wm. Smith at same place; Philip Hardman up town; Wm.' 
Webb, Detrick Zeck, Chas. Zeck, J. Welty," W. B. Ash- 
baugh, Fraley Brothers; this business, like all other trades, 
has been injured by the store keeping the manufactured 
article heretofore made by hand. 

SADDLERS. 

The saddlers of early times are not known, except Wm. 
Long in 1808, prior to 1830. David Gamble and his 
brother William are the first we have account of after 1830. 
Samuel Morrison carried on this enterprise where Harner's 
saloon stands; McCarty where M. Hoke lives. This man 
was a great temperance man; he had a life-size of a man 
stuffed in his shop. King Alcohol; he built and lived where 
the Sisters live on Green street. Henr>' Stokes came here 
from Mechanicstown in 1845; Edward Zepp carried on in 
1858 and later in Zacharias store room. William Ulrich 
for a short time, J. Henry Stokes now. 

. TINNERS. 

Joseph Beachey was amongst the early tinners, as he 
bought the property now J. A. Helman's store of Jacob C. 
Winter in 1804; there he carried on the tin and coppersmith 
trade; continuing till 1847, moving opposite, where his son 
David carried on for short time, selling out to James F. 
Adelsberger, the house occupied by Zacharias' store. In 
i860 James & D. G. Adelsberger moved their shop to where 
Rotering's store stands; it was burned in the conflagration 
of 1863, rebuilt, and occupied until his death 1878; after- 
ward his son, F. A., removed to the present location, where 
his widow carries on the trade. 

In 1833 Michael Helman came to Emmitsburg, carrying 
on the trade where S. N. McNair's house stands until his 
death in 1865. James T. Hays started a tin and stove shop 
in 1865; lias continued to this day, now J. T. Hays & Son, 
adding plumbing; he is the inventor of the acetylene appa- 
ratus now used in lighting the Presbyterian Church, the 



81 

Reformed, the Roman Catholic; also inventor of a creamer 
of note. 

The manufacture of tinware has destroyed that part of 
the trade, as this article is now sold by all the stores. 
Stoves in the early days were sold only by the manufac- 
turer, now the tin shops are the distributors. 

LIVERY STABLES. 

George Sheets prior to 1840 was the pioneer liveryman; 
he had stables in the rear of Bennet Tyson's house, living 
in the house. Later, Jacob Moritz, Madison Fisher, Agnew 
& Jarboe, Eli Smith, Guthrie & Beam ; it was their stables 
in which the fire started that caused the great conflagration 
of 1863; it stood where the Elder stable stands- Jacob 
Smith, John Long, G. P. Beam, and Howard Row are the 
liverymen now. 

STONE CUTTERS. 

Joseph Kelly lived south of the College, he did all the 
marble work until Frederick Meals came here from Gettys- 
burg near i860; later U- A. Lough, who owned the M. F. 
ShufF property, W- H- Hoke, Charles Hoke and A. Annan, 
now Hoke & Rider. We can understand why so many 
graves are unmarked; the stone cutters were few in the early 
days and no opportunity to get them; as to price, the cost 
must have been great, as men of means have very small 
tombstones 

Item. — At one time a large post stood at the curb on the 
pavement of Lewis Motter, a beam poised in a slot on 
either side had a square platform to which was attached 
chains from the four corners, then centering at the end of 
beam. It was a balance scale; 56 pound weights and 
smaller stood by for use in weighing iron and heavy arti- 
cles; this was the scale before platform scales came into 
use. 

Item. — Miss Mary Knox lived where Albert Patterson 
lives; she was an expert on raising flowers; the lot of F. 



82 

A. Maxell's house was her flower garden; the older citizens 
can remember this genial old lady, as she freely gave to 
the young flowers from her great abundance, many of them 
rare. 

Item. — During the fifties a lottery office was conducted 
in the Barry room by Smallwood, agent; his sale of tickets 
was marvelous; like all these schemers blanks are the win- 
ners; the sellers get the prizes; the poor maintained this 
office for quite a while. When hoping against a hopeless 
game it died for want of patronage. 

PASSTIME. 

In 1790 society and the appearance of the town were 
much alike; everybody was fighting the wolf from the door; 
no time for style; yet every age has had its passtime; one 
of these was the men rolling long bullets on the streets, 
pitching quoits and horse shoes was another amusement; 
the ladies amused themselves at the spinning wheel or the 
loom, or knitting stockings; later horse racing and card 
playing, twin brothers, became fashionable. 

The east end of Lowherds tavern, where the store-house 
now stands, erected by Joseph Banner in 1838, was the 
place reserved as a ball alley; here seventy-five years ago 
the young men enjoyed a game; amongst them Frederick 
Black stood first. On this spot the noted fight between 
Daniel Wetzel and Shocky took place; it was a naked hand 
fist prize fight; a large man and a small man, the large man 
a bully; Wetzel the lighter had the endurance and won; a 
short time after Shocky died from the eifects of the fight, 

PIC-NICS. 

Fifty years ago and earlier it was customary for the 
young men to invite the ladies to pic-nics, the men provid- 
ing a large wagon, the ladies the provisions; they would go 
to Split Rock usually and spend the day in conversation 
and dancing. It was a union regardless of creed or party. 
Where is the social relations of today compared with that 
of the bv-jrone. 



83 
LUTHERAN STEEPLE. 

The rod on the Lutheran steeple was blown down near 
1850; a sailor came along and replaced it; after finishing 
the work he straddled the ball and sung a sailor's song; a 
great crowd of citizens watched him from beginning to fin- 
ish. This steeple had a fish about four feet put on when 
built in 1 8 14, at the remoddling of the church and painting 
of the steeple. The committee decided to remove the fish; 
the town has been deprived of the only true weather vane 
they had; a fine relic of the past. Oh, that it were there 
again. 

VIEW OF CHURCH AND CONCRETE WALK. 

The former study of the Lutheran parsonage was re- 
moved and an avenue opened direct to the church, and a 
concrete pavement made from the street to the church door. 
No improvement ever made in the town has met with such 
universal favor; the dark alley through which the congre- 
gations, now dead, traversed when living, and were carried 
when dead, has resumed its former position, a road away 
only. The fine scenic effect produced by this improvement 
shows the aesthetic taste of the pastor and council connected 
with him; give them the praise due. The church presents 
an imposing effect from the street; the steeple so unique, 
symmetrical and substantial, has stood the storms of over 
one hundred years, attesting the capability of men who did 
honest work.' 

The old board fence was removed from the cemetery 
front and a substantial wire fence has been placed in its 
stead. The class of monuments recently erected in the 
cemetery far surpass those of any other age. 

This sturdy building was the provost marshal's office, 
Captain Schofield, when the Federal army passed through 
on the way to Gettysburg, also on its return; General How- 
ard has his headquarters in the priest house, while General 
Steiner occupied the house now J- Stewart Annan's; whilst 
this army was passing the soldiers purchased all the tobacco 
iu the town and all the whisky they could get. One dealer 



84 

sold hundreds of canteens at one dollar each, until the pro- 
vost stopped it and put a guard there. Sunday morning 
after the fight at Gettysburg Jenkins' Confederate cavalry 
entered the town by daybreak on their retreat; when asked 
how the battle terminated they claimed the victory; soon 
they were off toward Mechanicstown, crossing the moun- 
tain through that gap to Hagerstown. About ten o'clock 
Kilpatrick's cavalry came dashing into town full charge, 
expecting to find the Johnnies here, they had fled, they re- 
ported the full retreat of Lee's army. Kilpatrick was in 
pursuit of the Rebs that passed through here. Oh, the 
commotion of that day; the church bells rang, but who 
heeded them, it was war times- Soon the army was on the 
move, the roads were full, the fields full (the roads were 
knee deep in mud). The hungry and dry soldiers ate all 
the bread and other eatables offered them; the people stood 
on the sidewalks with buckets of water to slake their thirst; 
many that passed through six days before did not return, 
they were either in the hospitals or their graves at Gettys- 
burg. Capt. Wilcoxen shed tears when he told me of his 
great loss. 

It was a day long to be remembered; when the Confed- 
erates entered the town they captured some prisoners which 
they carried with them. When the Union forces came 
they captured some rebs which they retained; the occasion 
will not be forgotten. Two men on Sunday morning went 
on the Lutheran steeple to see what was to be seen whilst the 
reb cavalry were in the town. When the cavalry stationed 
at the street pump saw them they raised their guns to shoot; 
the citizens assured them these men were citizens of the 
town and not signal corps men, and their lives were saved. 
Many inconveniences connected with the passage of the 
army could be mentioned. It is enough to repeat the 
words of General Sherman: "War is hell !" 

STREETS. 

The streets of our town are in fine condition; do you 
think they were always thus';' ah, no! It is within the 



85 

memory of some when the streets were mud holes, only 
good when the weather was dry; but oh ! the mud in the 
springtime, almost impassable; the streets were hollow in 
the centre, the rains washing them deeper after each 
rain. Thus it continued until 1853, when the plank road 
was made from Westminster to the State line north ; how 
blessed were we then, how smooth the road, how loud the 
noise of a horse and wagon; in a few years it had worn out, 
and the State lost sixty-five thousand dollars by an experi- 
ment, and we had a ruined street deeper in the middle than 
before. For eighteen years the street continued in this con- 
dition, until 1873, when a board of commissioners was 
elected, who did more real good for the town than any be- 
fore; they spent the money filling up the centre with large 
rocks, and finished with small stones and gravel; that is 
the secret of our good streets; all praise to that board. If 
future commissioners will add broken lime stone then they 
will be complete. 

CHOLERA, 1853. 

The town was visited by cholera in this year; the first 
case was that of a black man, Isaac Norris; he was taken 
early in the night in a stable and died there; black men at- 
tended him, not knowing the disease; whether the doctor 
did or not, I am not prepared to say. Suffice it to say, he 
died during the night and was buried in Dr. Patterson's 
field. Shortly after another case occurred and the man 
died. Then it was noised about that cholera was in town 
and the scare commenced. Soon another and still another 
case, until the death list was twenty-three. It continued 
dry the entire summer and very hot until the middle of 
September, when a very severe thunder storm passed this 
way, drenching the earth and washing the surface as it had 
not been for many months. After this rain no new cases 
occurred; a few of the more prominent I mentioned dying: 
Dr. A. Taney and wife, Joseph Moritz, Mrs. Agnew, Eagle 
hotel; Rev. Thomas McCafifery, George Mentzer, Samuel 
Morrison; a great many recovered; some light attacks, 



86 

others severe; quite a number of persons left the town, re- 
maining until fall ; whole families spent the cholera season 
away, having their property looked after by persons remain- 
ing; business was almost suspended, the country people 
going to other towns for their supplies; a depressed state of 
feeling rested upon all, not knowing who would be the 
next victim; this year the cholera visited Cumberland, 
Hagerstown and Williamsport. One man passing through 
contracted the disease and died in Waynesboro- There 
was a peculiar smell in the town all the while the cholera 
was here, more noticeable after no more cases and the rain 
had drenched the town. 

WATER INTRODUCED, 

Isaac Baugher, a prosperous merchant of Emmitsburg, 
retiring in 1847, dying in 1848, aged 61 years, during his 
business career here made an effort to interest the people in 
a project to pipe the water of Crystal Fount to town. The 
people were satisfied with the conveniences their wells af- 
forded them and he dropped it. D. G- Adelsberger made 
an effort to interest the people at a later date, in the seven- 
ties; he commenced a reservoir on his lot of the famous 
Crystal Moimtain Spring; receiving no encouragement from 
the public he abandoned his enterprise. In 1884 a com- 
pany was formed, stock subscribed, a reservoir completed, 
the water piped to town, mainly through the influence of 
the president, Isaac S. Annan, 

FIRE COMPANIES. 

In the childhood of Emmitsburg the protection against 
fire was the same as in all small towns, that of carefulness. 
When the town was alarmed by the cry of fire great was 
the excitement; the bucket brigade as it was called turned 
out, men and women. The men passed the full buckets 
the women the empty; after spreading blankets on adjoin- 
ing roofs to save these houses the men drenched the blank- 
ets. Later on an old suction engine was bought, it was an 
out-of-date affair; about 1850 a more modern apparatus was 



87 

purchased through J. W. Baiigher in Baltimore, which an- 
swered very well; the trouble was to supply it with water. 
With the introduction of the mountain water all the former 
difficulties were overcome; sufficient force is obtained to 
throw water over the highest building. 

FIRES. 

In connection with the engines and introduction of water 
will note a few of the most destructive fires: The Otter 
Hotel burned in 1845; i^ was the oldest house standing on 
the Square; it stood where E. E. Zimmerman's house 
stands. The Elder & Taney barn, stood in the Lutheran 
hitching ground, it burned in 1848; the cornice of the 
steeple caught fire from it; the chances of the church burn- 
ing were great, as there was not sufficient force to throw the 
water up so high from the engine, men were at the bell; 
water was passed through the steeple to them, they flooded 
the roof, throwing the empty buckets to the ground, but all 
to no purpose; when all hcJpe was gone James Gallagher 
volunteered to cut the cornice away; they place a rope 
around his body to support him, he stepped on the roof and 
cut the cornice, it fell, thus the steeple was save. The 
great fire occurred June 15th, 1863; it originated in the liv- 
er}' stable of Guthrie & Beam, consuming over fifty build- 
ings in all; the fire commenced at eleven o'clock in the 
night, did not get it under control until seven in the morn- 
ing; the hotel was the last to burn. Saving the house of 
Decklemyer saved the upper portion of the town. People 
in the country heard the church bells ring; some came 
within a mile of town, looking at the blazing houses, but 
feared to come in, as they thought the rebel army had fired 
it, as they had done Chambersburg. Word was sent to the 
College after midnight, when Rev. John McClosky called 
all the larger boys and hands together, bringing them in to 
assist; they came in time, as the citizens were fagged and 
tired; they worked manfully at the engine and in supplying 
water. Oh, the desolation a fire makes; most of the people 
lost their all, and never recovered. Money was sent from 



88 



the cities to aid the poor. Think of it, fortx-three ^•ears 
smce that fire. The Presbyterian Church was burned An- 

gust 28th, 1902. 

HILL NORTH OF TOWN. 

The oldest residents can remember when it was called 
Robinson s Hill ; who was Robinson ? Philip Nnnemaker 
had the honor of having it called after him next; he had 
lived in town as early as 1808; no doubt he purchased the 
property from Robinson. Nnnemaker died 1849; Ins widow 
remained on this property a few years, when Heim- Faller 

1 "^^' if- .f "'' ''^"'^^ '''''' '' ^'^' been known as Fal- 
ler s Hill. Now that John Sebold owns the propen-, justly 
following the precedents of the past, it is Sebold's Hill. 

PAINTERS. 
This occupation has not always been one alone, usually 
It was connected with some other calling; cabinet makers 
and chair makers followed painting also, until Manning 
came here before 1850 and painted St. Joseph's and Jacob 
b. Gelwicks also made it a business. Whilst Samuel Wil- 
hide, Blackford Campbell and Barnabas Riley were chair 
GdwTcks '' ^'^' ^'^''''^'' ^""^''^ ^^^^J'^berger and James 

GRAVE DIGGERS. 

An old custom; the neighbors volunteered to dio- the 
graves when interments were on the farms or in the coun- 
ry cemeteries. In town the early grave diggers were, 
John Logan,, 1811, Tome Bones, Thomas Buttler, Sebas- 
tian Adelsberger, Jacob Duphorn, Jacob Favourite, Thos 
Butler, John Welty, John Glass. Their work today re- 
quires them to dig the grave four and a-half to five feet 
deep. Many graves were not dug over three feet; for sani- 
tary purposes this was changed, and justlv, as the gasses 
arising from decaying bodies have made close proximltv to 
sonie graves unpleasant. In 1811 John Logan received 
^3 lor digging graves. 



89 

Along in the eighteen hundred and thirties a man named 
Markey committed a crime for which he was sent to the 
penitentiary from up in Harbanghs Valley. Mr. Newey 
was his principal accusor; after serving his term he left 
Baltimore, coming through Emmitsburg in the evening; 
stopping at Black's tavern for a drink, he proceded to the 
mountain to take revenge upon Newey. Newey had butch- 
ered that day; after night put the fire out and retired. Mar- 
key had lain in sight of the house watching; at midnight 
he broke the door open with an axe. Mr. Tressler, Mrs. 
Newey's father, slept down stairs; Markey killed him; 
Newey came down to meet the same fate; also Mrs. Newey 
and the children; he carried away with him a vest, watch 
and few articles. The news was printed in a Frederick 
paper; a few days later a policeman sat in the General 
Wayne in Baltimore reading the account; he heard steps of 
a man as he entered the bar-room ; he knew from the descrip- 
tion this was the man; he arrested him; he had the watch 
on his person; he was tried and hung in Frederick. 

FULLING MILL. 

The fulling mill on Middle creek was carried on by Na- 
thaniel Grayson for years prior to 1840; in the fifties Joseph 
Culbertson manufactured cloth blankets and yarns till after 
the civil war; in 187 1 John Peoples was conducting the 
mill; after him Charles Deeg. It was abandoned for lack 
of customers and torn down in the eighties. 

ITEMS OF INTEREST. 

Coppying from an old ledger dated 18 11 to 181 2 I find 
the following items of interest: A negro, Pol, sold for 
$267.67 April 9th, 1812, to Wm. Moreland. 

The following articles were sold at prices named: Lodg- 
ing in hotel and gill of whisky, 12 cents; coffee, 25 cents; 
terpentine, 50 cents pint; one gill rum, 12^ cents; flour, 
$7.50; gallon whisky, $1.12^2; bacon, i2>^ cents; brown 
sugar, 13 cents; loaf sugar, 25 cents; flaxseed oil, $i.i2>^; 
brandy sling, 12 >^ cents; salt, 12 >^ cents quart; nails, 12^ 



90 

cents pound; butter, 14 cents; oats, 62 >^ cents; 6 chickens 
for 53 cents- i gill whiskey, 6% cents; half lottery ticket 
on Susquehanna Valley, 6834 cents. 

Old Mrs. Moreland sold her home-made linen to Hughs' 
store for 40, 47 and 62 cents per yard; selling May, 1811, 
483 yards at 62 cents, 90 days credit, interest after 90 days; 
calico sold for 45 cents yard, glass tumblers 25 cents each, 
brandy and wine $2.50 gallon, white lead 25 cents pound. 
The itinerant shoemaker charged 40 cents per pair for mak- 
ing shoes; by digging Mrs. Granger's grave, $3.00; women 
hired out at ^3.00 per month; making a pair breeches, 83 
cents; making coat, $1.00; making slips, 37^ cents; jacket, 
83 cents; whiting, 12^ cents pound. Iron sold for 7 cents 
pound, making nails four dollars per thousand; all nails 
were made by hand in 181 1. Vinegar, 50 cents gallon ; salt, 
$1.25 bushel; 8 by 10 glass, 11 cents a piece; fur hat, $3.00; 
ten-plate stoves, $18; sole leather, 40 cents pound; one gill 
whisky and dinner at Eagle Hotel, 7,i}{ cents. (The death 
of Catharine George entailed the following expense 181 1: 
John Row, cofiRn, $8.00; digging grave, $3.00; i pair stock- 
ings, James Hughs, $1.00; Margaret Mintie, eight days 
attendance, $6.00; 4 pounds candles, $1.00). Dutch cheese, 
9 cents; unbleached muslin, 45 cents yard; one pound brim- 
stone, i2j^ cents; shoeing horse, 3134^ cents shoe; flour of 
sulpher, 50 cents pound; postage, 40 cents per ounce. 
John Devoy, tailor, 1812, charged $3.33 to make a suit of 
clothes. 

RUNAWAY SLAVES. 
During the days of slavery many negroes, slaves in Vir- 
ginia and Maryland, ran away from their masters, their ob- 
ject was to enter Pennsylvania at the nearest point. Many 
came through Emmitsburg; some thought our town was in 
Pennsylvania, others, more knowing ones, avoided the 
town, knowing there were negro catchers, as they were 
called, white men who watched for these escaping slaves 
for the reward; it ranged from $50 to $500. A few were 
arrested in the town; as a general rule they gained their 
freedom once they arrived here. As many as a dozen would 



91 

travel together, armed with clubs and pistols. It was dan- 
gerous to attempt to arrest such a body. Slaves have es- 
caped from their owners here. Felix Taney and Dr. James 
Shorb each had quite a number to run away; others a few. 
We were too near the Mason and Dixon line for slavery to 
exist. It was only by the kindest treatment they could be 
kept. The free black people living here, and we always 
had more free than slave, were helpers of these absconding 
slaves; some of them were very loud in denouncing the 
negro catchers, amongst the number Roderick Dorsey, who 
lived on the street up town. James McCullough got up the 
following trick on Roderick: He blacked his face and 
dressed in old clothes; arrangements were made for the boys, 
large and small, to run him up town, he to take shelter 
with Roderick, which he did; as soon as he entered the 
house and told who he was (a runaway) Roderick closed the 
door. McCullough crept under the bed. Soon the boys 
were outside yelling a runaway in Dorsey's house. McCul- 
lough raised up, upsetting the bed and escaped through the 
back door, the boys opened the front door and filed through 
the house after McCullough, this raised Roderick's wrath. 

TREES ON THE STREETS. 

This locality was called Poplar Grove, which tell us 
poplar trees grew here. No doubt the streets in early time 
were shaded by poplar trees. As late as 1850 poplar trees 
as thick as a flour barrel stood in front of Grovers house 
(now Chas. Zeck), in front of John Barry, a row in front 
of Dr. Taney's house; at different places in the town single 
trees stood, also locust trees as large ; one in front of Mary 
Knox's house, Joseph Moritz and many others, showing 
locust was the second setting of shade trees. Around the 
ground of the Lutheran church were locust trees. Mul- 
berry came in about 1850. The town had trees almost from 
end to end of mulbern,-. One man said you can sit in the 
sun until the mulberry leaves come and you hunt the 
sun when the mulberry sheds its leaves; it was true. Later 
the Buckeye and the present poplar were planted. After 



92 

the fire, F. Smith planted cherry trees along- the lot now 
Henry Harner's. It was a feast for the children. A cherry 
tree stood in front of the lot where John Jackson lives, long 
ago. A large locust tree stood in front of Mrs. Blair's 
house long ago. The locusts were as long as bananas and 
fine eating, so the boys said, though very insipid. A few 
mulberry trees stood along the streets, that bore delicious 
fruit. How eagerly they were watched for fear they should 
become too ripe. 

DEATHS AND BURIALS. 

When a person died, the undertaker went to the house, 
if in town, and measured the dead for a coffin; if in the 
country, some person took a stick and measured the length 
and breadth, bringing the stick to the undertaker. Coffins 
were not kept on hand as now; then all were buried in the 
single coffin. It is within the memory of all persons over 
60 years of age, when coffins were let down in the graves 
by ropes fastened inside the coffins; rough boxes are of re- 
cent date. 

POLE RAISING. 

During the political excitement of a presidential cam- 
paign, prior to i860, it was customary for both political 
parties to raise a pole to the candidate. In front of Henry 
Hahn's hotel, where the bank stands, the Whigs raised the 
last pole (the Whigs always used poplar, the Democrats 
hickory). This was the most symmetrical pole ever raised 
in the town. This same year the Democrats raised one, a 
fine one, in front of Devit's hotel, now E. L. Row's house. 
It was not left long standing after the elections. The 
great labor of cutting these sticks, hauling them to town, 
splicing and getting ready for pole raising day incurred 
great labor; that day some prominent speaker addressed the 
crowd. In 1844 the Whigs made a ball 10 to 12 feet in the 
Geo. Winter barn, to roll to a political meeting held at 
Frederick, which they did. It was a curiosity when made. 
Its the old saying, what compensation was there in it? 



93 

Our campaign was the singing of songs written for the oc- 
casion. Our esteemed and venerable Lewis Zimmerman 
was the leader of the singing at that time. After the elec- 
tion, torch light processions; torches hung in wreaths 
across the street; firing of the old gudgeon; groaning the 
defeated as the procession passed their houses and cheering 
at the houses of the successful; burning of tar barrels, 
bands playing, drums beating. This gives the youth of 
today a crude idea of the past. One of the evils of these 
occasions, was the drunkenness of these affairs. Come 
take a drink, was the candidates salute, and the boys took 
it. Happy day when this style of politics went down. 
Blest conception to close the bar room on election day. 

VEHICLES. 

It is within the memory of some when all means of travel 
was horseback or walk. In the early days if a man wished 
to go west, he joined a company starting from some county 
town or meeting place in the neighborhood. If a family 
moved west (Ohio was called way out west in 1825) they 
loaded in a two-horse covered wagon beds, pots, dishes and 
eatables, and started. Different families left for the west from 
this community, sleeping in the wagon and cooking on the 
road. The travel to the city was the same way; the mer- 
chant from the west rode horseback; the farmers came to 
town the same way; the young men and maidens had rid- 
ing parties; this continued until the old gig two-wheeled 
seating capacity for two was invented; the barouche came 
in about the same time, after 1830; this seated four persons; 
the springs on some were bow shaped, extending far out 
behind, some of wood others of sole leather; soon the sulky 
came in. The first spring wagon had spiral springs, a cu- 
riosity; then the buggy, a crude vehicle compared to today. 
Step by step the vehicle has advanced, changed in weight 
and style until the perfect one of today. 

CHURCH BELLS. 

The Lutheran bell has been ringing so long, history and 
tradition fail to agree as to the time its silvery tone first 



94 



wafted through the air. The Roman Catholic no doubt 
has been ringing ever since they built the church The 
Reformed since 1868 when they built their church The 
Presbyterian since 1868 when they remodeled their church- 
that bell was damaged in the fire. Annan Horner o-ave 
the present bell as a memorial to his father. John Gel- 
wicks, E. Smith Waddles and Wm. Fraley presented the 
Methodist bell in 1906. 



BANK. 



Annan Horner & Co. opened a banking house on the 
corner of Square and Gettysburg street in 1879. Built the 
present banking house in 1881, where they have carried on 
the business since. 

AUCTIONEERS. 
Each community has had men whose aptitude for an auc- 
tioneer surpasses other men; they loom up from time to 
time and serve the people. An old custom was for the auc- 
tioneer when selling real estate to get the property started, 
when bids fagged, he with bell in hand walked up or down 
the street ringing the bell and crying the amount bid, not 
knocking it down until he returned to the property Fred- 
erick Crabbs was the last auctioneer seen on our streets- 
he left here sixty years ago, ' 

//.•/;/.— April 12, 1900, Eliza Smith died, aged 72 ; April 
22, 1900. Dennis Smith died, aged 84; April 27,, 1897 Peter 
Brown died, aged 97; April, 1901, Maria Constan died, aged 
93; John King stiU Hves. aged 91. 

CONCRETE PAVEMENTS. 

The first concrete pavement was put down in front of the 
engine house in 1903; the priests house next; Lansinger 
next; now they are found at Roman Catholic church, Meth- 
odist church, Reformed church, Lutheran avenue to church 
E. E Zimmerman's store, Clias. Gillelan's house, Morris 
Gillelan's house. 



95 

TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE. 

The W. U. Telegraph was first put up in 1866 • the tele- 
phone in 1892 and 1902; now both Bell and Maryland have 
exchanges here. 

BRASS BANDS. 

The first brass band of which any account is given was 
one composed of men who, if living, would all be over 80 
years of age. Dr. Levi Sheets and J. Vance Banner are 
the only two living, they are past 80. 

Since, there have been, bands many, they have come and 
gone like the seasons. The climate was healthy, the asso- 
ciations agreeable, but the ambitions young man could see 
no fortune here, and he went West, therefore the bands 
could not be sustained. They organized again and again, 
recently there was a new organization, 

SOCIETIES. 

Fillial Lodge, No. 62, A. F. «& A. M., was started in 
1840, in Eysters Hall over the jewelry shop. Great induce- 
ments caused it to be moved to Mechanicstown in 18 — . 

Good Samaritan Lodge, 1. O. O. F., No. 46, was started 
in 1840, in Eysters Hall, where it continued until 1847, 
when for good reasons it was moved to Mechanicstown in 
18— 

Massoit Tribe, No. 41, L O. R. M., kindled its council 
fire in Emmitsburg 18 — , met every Saturday at eight, run 
until 1867, when it disbanded. 

Junior Order American Mechanics organized , met 

for years in hall over Annan's store, purchased the school 
house at west end, after a short stay sold the property, 
moved to Annan's Hall, disbanded 18 — . 

Emerald Beneficial Association, Branch No. i, monthly 
meetings, fourth Sunday each month, organized 1893. 

TOMES CREEK. 
Like many corrupted spelling of words the wrong ver- 
sion often gets the ascendency. Such is the condition we 
find in connection with what we are in the habit of callinir 



96 

Toms creek. Among the Indian tribes that inhabited these 
parts was one called Tomes, they were known as residents 
along this creek. The Indian to designate it from iMarsh 
creek, Middle creek, Flat now Friends' creek, called it 
Tomes creek, hence, when the English government laid off 
the land into districts this one was called Tomes Creek 
Hundred. As to the half Indian Tom, we have heard so 
much about, that is explained as follows: A child was 
born to an Indian by a black man; Emmitsburg held this 
treasure in the person of Tomes Bones' mother, who lived 
in the little log house where Robert Patterson now lives, 
her son was a grave digger in his day, he is dead sixty or 
more years. She married a black man named Bones, she 
named her son after her tribe. Tome. 

CLUBS. 

The Q. R. S. Literary Club was organized 1898, com- 
posed of persons whose tastes will acquisece with the name. 
They have enjoyed their meetings thus far and look for- 
ward to the coming years for a better programme and ap- 
preciation of it. Papers on the various subjects are pre- 
pared, music of a high order rendered, vocal selections ex- 
ecuted faultlessly, selections read and enjoyed. All together 
it is par excellence. Refreshments are provided by the host 
of the evening. It meets at a member's house monthly. 

MASONIC. 

Lodge A. F. & A. M. organized 1906 in third story over 
Annan store, under favorable auspices as Tyrian Lodge, 
No. — . The citizens hope for a successful organization and a 
bright future for Tyrian Lodge. 

SWIMMING HOLE. 

Unless something is said about the swimming hole in 
this book, the attractive spot for a hundred years past, it 
would not be complete. It has been the meeting place of 
all classes; here the boys have learned to swim; here the 
fathers have taken the little fellows and held them up on 
the surface and said, "now strike out !" thus giving them 



97 

the first lesson; not a boy raised in these parts that has not 
been in the swimming hole; the oldest citizens will tell you 
he heard his father speak of it. This is the most accurate 
history we have; who gave it this name ? Here we are lost; 
nor can we find the early owner's name. The boys of Mt. 
St. Mary's College came here to swim, I know, fifty years 
ago, no doubt longer, as it was a common resort at that 
time; I hear some one say that is true. Yes, it is true; we 
have all been there. 

CARRIAGE MAKERS. 

The first person we have any account of engaged in this 
trade was David Gamble, prior to 1840, in connection with 
the saddlery; he travelled through the lower counties and 
into Virginia selling both; he told of his selling a carriage, 
a pair of horses and harness to a farmer with whom he staid 
over night; they had herring for breakfast; the host after 
cutting the herring in three pieces asked him which part he 
would have; he smiled, and told him up in Maryland they 
never took less than a whole fish. After Gamble came 
Frame, Riddlemoser, Hess, Weaer, Baker, Smith, Kerri- 
gan, Crisomer and Dukehart; at IMotter's station Fisher 
manufactured buggies; manufacturing establishments have 
changed these home industries into repair shops; although 
it is said the home-made vehicle is the best, the price is 
considered and the manufactured sold. 

RELICS. 

Mr. Henry Stokes possesses a cannon ball picked up on 
the Gettysburg battlefield. He did have a musket. Mr. 
Jacob Motter found in his barn a fine set of surgical instru- 
ments, after the army passed through to Gettysburg, which 
he gave to his son. Dr. George T. Motter, of Taneytown, 
Maryland. 

CABINET MAKERS. 

These were the men that built the furniture so eagerly 
sought for now. They made the coffins; all good mechan- 
ics. Amongst the first were Thomas Hays, John Row, 



98 



Frederick Row, Row & Bushman, Joseph Long, Koontz 
& Dailey, Martin Sweeney, Smith & Shouff, M. F. Shuff, 
E. E. Zimmerman. Furniture of various kinds still re- 
main in possession of families made by the old manufac- 
turers named. 

TOMATOES. 

It is within the mernory of many when they were an 
ornament to place on the mantlepiece; few were eaten prior 
to 1848; then understood not to be very good eating. The 
first were the small egg shaped; the present varieties are 
the result of careful culture. 

grandfathers' clocks. 

They were made in Taneytown by Eli Bently and 
Hoover, near Emmitsburg. Fifty years ago it was difficult 
to get a bid at the sales over five dollars. When one sold 
for eight dollars, it was considered a high price. The small 
shelf clocks came in about that time. About 1830 the 
wood wheel clocks came; they sold for $25. These clocks 
are still found with wood and brass works, 27 inches high ; 
they sell at sales less than one dollar. Once the grand- 
father clock had merit; it lost it; a fad for old furniture re- 
vived its importance; now blessed is the family with such 
an heirloom. 

LAWYERS. 

The first lawyer resident here was Isaac E- Pearson, who 
about i860 removed to Westminster, Maryland. Ephraim 
Carmack, of Mechanicstown, came here at the same time 
to attend to cases before magistrates. About 1873 Eugene 
L. Row was admitted to the bar and opened an office here. 
Still, later, Vincent Sebold commenced the practice of law 
here. 

BAKERIES. 

At various times bakeries have been started. Figy, a 
Dutchman from Baltimore, opened one in the eastern part 
of Samuel Seabrook's house, 1876, building a large oven 



99 



under the dming; room. He staid but a short time. Others 
Mmick, Taney, Dutterer, each giving place to the other' 
until James Slagle made a success of the enterprise Harry 
Hopp opened a bakery in the country, making a success 
then m the spring of 1906. He bought Slagle out in town 
continmng the two, and moving his business to town. ' 

DEATHS. 

It was the custom to toll the church bell, when older 
people died, and when the funeral took place to toll as 
many strokes as the person was years old. This has been 
omitted for a great many years, although the custom still 
exist m some sections. A custom of setting up with the 
dead was called a wake. At these gatherings the youn^ 
usually sat up. When conducted with decorum, it was 
complimentary to the family, but when frivolity was the 
leading spirit, it was an insult to the family— hence it has 
been done away with almost entirely. Irish wakes we have 
had but few m this locality. At these wakes the custom 
was for the family to prepare a meal for midnight for the 
watchers. 

OLD PEOPLE. 

At this time the town has the following very aged residents- 
Lewis M. Hotter, 91 years; Mrs. Henry Winter, 90- Samuel 
Flautt, 90; Mrs. John Barry, 95; Mrs. Thomas Bushman, 88. 

A partial list of old persons dying within twenty-five years- 
John Clark, 90; Mrs. John Favourite, 95; James Knauff 91' 
Frederick Black. 88; Eli Sheets, 91; Mrs. William Floor' 94' 
Mrs. William Frame, 89; George Winter, 89; Mrs. Catherine' 
Cook, 92; Charlotte Picking, 92; Peter Brown, 97- John 
Jackson, 92; Lewis Wortz, 87; Mrs. Jno. Mayhue, 94- Mrs 
Abey. 92; Dr. A. Annan, 91; Dr. J. W. Eichelberger 91- 
Kate Call, 90; Mrs. N. Sebold, 94; Mrs. T Barton, 88; Mrs' 
William Moser, 90; Mrs. T. Petticord, 87; Mrs. A. McBride 
87; Mrs. Joseph Eckenrode, 87; Mrs. Gorely, 87; Mrs Jos- 
eph Reevers, 94; Mrs. C. Riddlemoser, 90; Mrs. John Singer, 
92; George Krise, 91; John Hockensmith, 87; Mrs. Joseph 



100 

Banner, 92; Catherine Hinkle, 89; Lydia Krise, 88; Mrs. 
John Sloss, 89; Mrs. James Ohler, 92; Mrs. Jacob Brown, 91; 
Peter Settlemyer, 87; Betsy Miller, 96; Mrs. John Dorsey, 
86; Mrs. George Ovelman, 94; Maria Coustan, 93; Ann 
Coats, 89; William Richardson, 91; Mrs. W. Richardson, 91; 
Mrs. EH Smith, 88; Mrs. H. Poller, 91; Mrs. D. Whitmore, 
90; Mrs. G. Topper, 88; John Mortimer, 98; John Neck, 86. 

ST. JOSEPH'S HOUSE. 

In the year 1808, through the generosity of Mr. Samuel 
Cooper, the money to purchase ground for this institution 
was supplied. In deciding the locality Mr. Dubourg was 
favorable to Baltimore City. Mr. Cooper insisted upon the 
selection of Emmitsburg, Md„ as a more convenient situa- 
tion, as its physical and moral advantages were preferable 
to Baltimore. Then the priest (Dubourg) replied: "Be it 
Emmitsburg." The vicinity of Emmitsburg having been 
selected for the location of the sisterhood projected by Mrs. 
Seton; now an eligible sight was to be purchased. Mr. 
Dubourg visited the town in 1808, and bought the land 
now owned by St. Joseph's from Robert Flemming. At 
that time this tract of land had a small stone house, part of 
the old wash house. The property was settled in the joint 
tenantship of Rev. Wm. V. Dubourg, Rev. John Dubois 
and Samuel Cooper. Tradition says, after Robert Flem- 
ming had agreed to take the specified amount, he afteward 
changed his mind. To get out of it honorably he would 
only sell at the price named, providing the amount was 
cash and in gold; this he thought was an impossibility. To 
his utter surprise they brought him the gold in the given 
time. 

Mother Seton was instrumental in the establishment of 
this world-wide institution; the progress made by it in all 
its branches, whether as a convent, a school or an architec- 
tural development, it is not surpassed. One mammoth edi- 
fice after another has been added from time to time, until 
the present climax stands as a memorial to Mother Seton, 
as well as the handsome marble monument erected by the 
sisterhood community. 



101 

They occupied their first building- February 20th, 1810. 
The property up till 1816 had been held by the Rev. Sam- 
uel Cooper, its oenerous benefactor. He deemed it the 
proper thing to incorporate it, and had an act passed of in- 
corporation of the Sisterhood by the Legislature of Mary- 
land, January, 181 7. The farm then in their possession 
was transferred to them in their own right, by those who 
previously held it. Around this institution cluster memo- 
ries of many from the Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. 
Silently their progressive work has gone on, until the per- 
fection arrived at was consummated. Many are the hearts 
made glad by a returning visit to this valley. The alumnae 
organization gives proof of the early impressions made 
here. They join in chorus, swelling the volume of praise 
to their alma mater each year. The excellent condition of 
the grounds give evidence of the aesthetic culture so lav- 
ishly displayed; how tame and ordinary the condition 
usually around the farm houses, not so on the farm attached 
to St. Joseph's. How inviting, how expansive the im- 
proved landscape, how fragrant the air as it is wafted from 
luxurious beds of flowers; then the outlying scene as they 
stretch west to old Carrick's Knob, climb it, and see that 
valley of verdure as it spreads before us; the silver stream, 
Toms creek, running like a silver thread from the moun- 
tain to the farthest extent of this extensive tract of land. 
Greater expectation than Mother Seton's have been accom- 
plished, through the efficient women who have controlled 
the affairs of this institution ever since; progress has only 
been initiated here, the full fruitage will be gathered later 
on. When in its flillest development the word will be ex- 
celsior. 

The official head of the institution from the beginning; 

Mother E. A. Seton, 1808 to 1821; Mother Rose White, 
1821 to 1827; Mother Augustine DeCount, 1827 to 1832; 
Mother Rose White, 1833 to 1839; Mother Xavier Clark, 
1839 to 1845; Mother Mary Etienne Hall, 1845 to 1855; 
Mother Regina Smith, 1855 to i860; Mother Ann Simeon, i860 
to , Mother Euphemia, Mother Mariana, Mother Margaret. 



102 

In the cemetery adjoining the Convent, enclosed by a 
brick wall, in the centre of a wood, are interred the bodies 
of the sisters dying at the mother institution. There, sing- 
ular as it may read, lie the bodies of five of the Seton family. 
The first buried in this cemetery was Miss Harriet Seton, 
December 22, 1809; Miss Cecelia Seton, April -30, 1810; 
Miss Annina Seton, March 12, 1812; Miss Rebecca Seton, 
1816; Mother Seton, January 4, 1821. Is it not strange, 
the first five interments should be the members of one 
family? There also rests the body of Archbishop Bailey, 
Rev. Burlando, Rev. Gandolfo, Rev. Mandine, Rev. Jus- 
tiniana. Three yoimg ladies, whose untimely death, rest 
here; the time, the seasons, the distance, prevented carry- 
ing their bodies to the Southern climes. One, Ella Riggs, 
of Milliken Bend, Miss., unable to return home on account 
of the Civil War; Miss Ida Keene and Miss Wagaman. 

Here amid the quiet of the scene, with the overhanging 
branches of the forest, sleep in security those whose bodies 
were borne from the citadel home whilst the feathered 
songsters repeated the requiem, they rest in peace, secure 
from hands of the vandal, watched by those who hereafter 
will repose, side by side, and receive like attention from an 
unborn community. This gives zest to life to know our 
graves will not be neglected; it puts a halo of friendship 
around the spot and contemplates the rising morn, when 
the graves shall give up their dead at the voice of the Arch 
Angel, who shall declare time shall be no more. 

In 1892 by an act of the Maryland Legislature this insti- 
tution can confer upon its graduates such degrees as are 
granted to other institutions of learning. 

COLLECTIONS IN CHURCHES. 

Among the customs of early times, was the collections 
taken in churches; a pole 10 feet long, with a velvet bag 
having a hoop at top, fastened to the pole, was carried 
around and presented to each in turn for their contributions. 
Later came the baskets; next the plates. A common cus- 
tom was for some men to nod their heads instead of drop- 



103 

ping in a penny, as they called this their penny contribu- 
tion. 

BUTCHERS. 

Butchering was carried on at the tan yards in early 
times; one beef a week or in two weeks; later, one killed 
on Monday and Friday. Where J. H. Row lives a retail 
beef market was carried on for a long time; where Hoke's 
millinery store stands, as far back as 1850, it was a meat 
store; twice a week only, could beef be bought; bacon was 
the meat used, each family curing it in the fall ; the town 
was full of pig stys; now mark the advantages; beef all the 
time; cold storage to keep it; canvassed bacon, &c. 

REUCS. 
The Zacharias family have a jug given the family by a 
Hessian soldier taken prisoner at Yorktown. Joseph 
T. Geiwicks has sabre, rifle, revolver, spurs and can- 
teen; Geo. Geiwicks has sabre, rifle, shells, bullets; the 
Miss Helmans have a solid twelve pound ball picked up on 
the Gettysburg battlefield; David T. Hoff has a grape 
shot and rifle ball his grandfather brought from the War of 
1812; S. D. Helnian has a small bible he picked up when 
on the march to the sea with General Sherman; also a 
Tennesse marble bible, carved by one of the soldiers, with 
square and compass cut on one side. 

JAIL. 

About 1858 the corporate authorities concluded to erect 
a jail. The spot selected was that point of land at the in- 
tersection of the Gettysburg road and the alley bordering 
the priest's lot, where in the long ago the public school 
house stood. Here they built a stone house about sixteen 
feet square; a few persons were confined in it at diff'erent 
times over night. One night part of the wall was opened 
near the roof; eventually the house was taken down. If a 
place was wanted for a drunken man he was confined in the 
rear of the engine house. 

Along in the eighties the present iron cage was made in 
Waynesboro for the town; when it arrived the boys intended 



104 

to run it back to Toms creek and throw it off the bridge 
into the creek; a car of lime standing on the track pre- 
vented this game. The commissioners had a difficulty in 
getting someone to haul it to the place assigned. It was 
taken there on an opon wagon in the evening; the next 
day it was to be set on the foundation. During the night 
someone run the wagon down into the field and upset this 
iron jail off the wagon. After great labor it was placed in 
position; give the men the credit due them. Whilst it is 
not the best jail, it has served the purpose of preventing 
crime and drunkennes, for all fear being put into this hor- 
rible thing. The county jail has always been the place 
men were committed, and always will be to serve a sentence; 
this iron jail is simply to scare evil doers or for a night of 
safe keeping. 

MT, ST. MARY'S COLLEGE. 

This institution has a history justly entitled to be told. 
Whilst it does not date back as far in the past as some 
others, it can justly be proud of its work and speak in ex- 
cellent terms of some of its pupils. 

Rev. John Dubois bought the first land for the seminary 
April, 28th, 1807, of Arnold Elder; also the plantation of 
same August, 1808, possession 1809. The seminary of Pig- 
eon Hills begun by Mr. Nugent in 1806 was transferred to 
Mt. St. Mary's after Easter, 1809. Seventeen young men 
were sent to the care of Mr. Dubois, and lodged first at the 
home of Mr. Arnold Elder. From the beginning of this 
enterprise until he was made bishop of New York, Rev. John 
Dubois was president. Rev. Simon Gabriel Brutea who 
in 1834 was made bishop ofVincennes, Ind., assisted Fr. 
Dubois in his labors, as did Revs. Duhamel and Hickey. 
From the establishment of Mt. St. Mary's Coljege until the 
fall of 1894, the president of the College was acting pastor 
of the mountain church. The parish priests were Rev. 
Michael Egan, Rev. John McGerry and Rev. John Purcell 
until 1832, between which time and 1838 Rev. Francis B. 
Jamison and Thomas R. Butler presided. In this year Rev. 



105 



John IMcCaffer}', a native of Ennnitrburg and a pnpil of 
Rev. Dubois, succeed to the presidency, an office which he 
held with great success until 1871 when he was succeeded 
by Rev. John McClosky, who in 1877 gave place to Rev. 
John A. Watersan; after him again in 1880 Rev. John 
McClosky until his death in December 24th, 1880. Rev. 
Wm. Hill was called to the presidency, who for a short 
time looked after the interests of the College, until Rev. 
Wm. Byrne, D. D., vicar-general of Boston, took charge. 
This office was later placed in the hands of Rev. Allen, 
who served as president until made bishop of Mobile, when 
Rev. Wm. O'Harawas elected president; the present presi- 
dent is Rev. D. J . Flynn. Many of the strong men in the 
Roman Catholic church are among the gradutes of this in- 
stitution. Amongst them we name Bishops Hughs, Benton 
Purcell and Bishop Elder. 

The following was kindly furnished by Rev. McSweeney, 
for which accept thanks: 

Mt. St. Mary's College is about fifty miles from Baltimore 
and is reached by the Western Maryland Railroad and the 
Emmitsburg branch that leaves the main line at Rocky 
Ridge; the College is situated at the foot of the eastern 
spur of Catoctin, the Blue Ridge Mountains, which sepa- 
rate the valley of Hagerstown from the plain through 
which flows the Monocacy river. The spires of Gett)sburg 
and the hills of the famous battlefield are visible from In*^ 
dian Lookout and Carrick's Knob, the highest points of 
the mountain that shelters the College in the winter and 
overshadows it so gracefully on summer evenings. The 
celebrated mother house of the Sisters of Charity, founded 
by Madame Seton, is in the vicinity. The macadamized 
road running from Emmitsburg about two miles away to 
Frederick, passes by the College. The quiet seclusion of 
the College, its freedom from distractions of cities and the 
reputation it enjoys from the great number of its distin- 
guished graduates have turned towards it the attention of 
parents who are more than usually solicitous for the moral 
welfare and intellectural development of their children. 



106 

The College was founded in 1808 by Rev. John Dubois as 
a preparatory school for St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, 
lay students being afterward admitted, and the teaching 
partly done by the seminarians. Father Dubois enlarged 
the scope of the institution and established classes of phil- 
osophy and theology, so as to retain his assistant teachers as 
long as possible; this finally led to the organization of the 
College and Seminary on a basis of entire independence, 
to be conducted by an association of priests under the jur- 
isdiction and protection of the Archbishop of Baltimore; 
Cardinal Gibbons is one of the most zealous promoters of 
the welfare of the College, and has proved himself on more 
than one critical occasion its most prudent counsellor and 
practical friend. 

The College has a charter from the State of Maryland, 
dating back to A. D. 1830, so that, after Georgetown, it is 
the oldest Catholic college in the United States. The Col- 
lege buildings were burned down on June 6th, 1824, but 
were immediately rebuilt; not, however, without incurring 
a very heavy debt, which was carried with comparative 
ease till the disastrous period of the Civil War, when the 
patrons of the College in the Southern States, were forced 
to discontinue their aid. This soon brought on a crisis 
which was successfully met by the timely donations of the 
alumni, so that today its financial standing is second to that 
ot no similar institution in the country. Many improve- 
ments have been made during the last quarter of a century; 
the old buildings enlarged and brought up to da<"e, a splen- 
did gymnasium with swimming pool, and what is perhaps 
the most beautiful athletic field in the Union. At present 
a new and vast edifice is rising, which is intended for the- 
ological students. The roll for 1905 and 1906 is the larg- 
est known in the history of the College, there having been 
250 lay students and 45 seminarians, while the graduates 
of 1906 were 15 in number. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 
Early settlers on Monocacy Church Book, 1747: John 



107 

George Lay, John Krietzman, John M. Roemer, Peter Axtel, 
Henry Seeks, Jacob Hoft, Martin Wetzel, George Schley, 
John Schmidt, John Verdnes, Michael Reisner, Dr. Schley, 
John Stolmyer, John Seeks, John G. Seldus John C. Schmidt, 
John Vogler, John Davis, Frederick Overdries, Martin Wehel, 
Nicholas Wehel, Peter Apfal, Ludvvig Wettner, Fredk. Un- 
salt, Jacob Hoen, Hans Frederick Geyer. Later date, Ap- 
plebies, Boyers, Hardts, Fishers, Debruers, Hallers, Homes, 
Couradts, Ebberts, Jenkins, Howmans, Levys, Englebrights, 
Mayheffus, Mayers, Myers. Hoffmans, Bechtels, Cullers. At 
Graceham, George Ninke, Lorentz Nyburg, Harbaughs, Boll- 
ens, Hens, Ebenhards, Kreigers, Reineckes, Lydricks, Seiss, 
Schmidt, Utleys, Williards, Zohns, Herzers, Rossens, Ren- 
zands, Schaafs; along Monocacy river, Zimmermans, Kobbs, 
Hoffmans, Breckenbaughs, Bickels, Tradanes, Devilbiss, Wetz- 
ells, Eckmans, Cramers, Brickners, Crise (Krise), Gushons, 
Dohlmans, Bluenenshines, Protsmans, Shrumps, StuUs, Cul- 
lers, Creigers, Poes, Eichelbrgers, Shriners, Winebrenners, 
Shryocks,Wilhides, Campbells, Hammets, Hoods, Dulaneys, 
Snyders, Snooks, Albaughs. 

PRICES DURING WAR FROM 1861 TO 1 865. 

Coffee 50, sugar 12 >^, tea $2.50, tobacco $1.00, rice 10, 
unbleached muslin 75, Wammitta 87 >^, New York mills 
50, Canton flannel 75c and $1, calico 50, gingham 50, spool 
cotton 15, blankets ^10 to ^50, stockings 75c to $1, cassi- 
meres I1.50 to $4, boots as high as $16, hides i4>i, now 

WRAPPER FACTORY. 

Spangler, the hotel man, and Albert Maxell were the 
two men who solicited subscriptions for stock to start a fac- 
tory. The object was to rent a room and buy a gasoline 
engine and offer this inducement to get an enterprise 
started. The business men subscribed and the project was 
started over Zimmerman's warehouse, Albert Maxell putting 
in 50 machines; he continued successfully from 1900 till 
1904, when he sold out and moved to Charlestown, W. Va. 



108 

Samuel Rowe put in machines and removed the engine to 
Gelwicks Hall, where he continued the manufacture of 
wrappers to date. 

POP FACTORY. 

In the spring- of 1906 A. Stonesifer, of Harney, Md., 
opened a pop bottling establishment in the brick house on 
alley in Shields' Addition, supplying his goods to the town 
and hauling his pop to other places; an enterprise of j^rofit 
to the town. 

BROOM FACTORY. 

Carried on by Winegardner, west of town, buying broom 
corn by the car load in the West, has made a success of that; 
in former days, was conducted by a few men, on veiy small 
scale. The early broom makers usually making up the 
stock for the farmers for personal use, whilst the brooms 
sold in the stores were purchased in the cities from dealers. 

SOLDIERS BURIED IN CEMETERIES. 

Revolutionary — Capt. Benjamin Ogle, Capt. Heniy Wil- 
liams, Capt. William Blair, ist Lieut. John F'arris, Presby- 
terian; 2nd Lieut. Michael Hockensmith, 2nd Lieut. George 
Hockensmith, Ensign Jacob Hockensmith, Sergeant John 
Smith, Corporal John Crabbs, Corporal Arthur Row, Toms 
Creek; Corporal William Elder of Guy, College. 

War 18 1 2 — Michael C. Adelsberger, James Storm, Catho- 
lic; Felix B. Taney, Jesse Nusseur, College; Capt. Michael 
Sluss,Toms Creek; Capt. Jacob Row, John Wetzel, Lutheran; 
Peter Remby, Methodist; Paxton, Presbyterian, 

Mexican War — H. Jefferson Favourite. 

Rebellion, 1861 — Major O. A. Horner, Lieut. John M. 
Annan, Enos McDannells, Presbyterian; Isaac Hcagcy, Noah 
Koontz, Thadeus Maxell, Benjamin Gchrhart, Joseph Wills, 
John Shields, James Peoples, James Mcllhenny, Jeremiah 
Stranesbaugh, Lutheran; G. W. McPherson, Jacob Settlemyer, 
James Arnold, Peter Cool, Augustus Little, John Murphy, 
Theodore Cook, Jacob I. Topper, Nicholas Seltzer, Catholic; 



109 



John Constant, Nathaniel Millsbuiy, John Rosensteel, Joseph 
Shorb, Henry Taylor, George Seiss, College; Jacob Reeves, 
John Spence, Philip Long, Mountain View; John Kipe, George 
Kipe, Sabillasville; Frederick Nindle, Fairfield; John Hunter, 
Gettysburg; Joseph Davidson, Rocky Ridge; Peter Glasser, 
Mt. Joy; Joseph Zech, Henry Gelwicks, Joseph Coombs, 
Andersonville; Emory Gilson, died in prison; Newton Gilson, 
killed in battle. 

In the year 1810 or 1812 Mr. Frances Gillmyer, a Ger- 
man importer, purchased Cedar Grove farm (the Gilson 
farm), bringing with him a family of three boys and two 
girls. One son studied for the church, but ere he took the 
vows he concluded to spend his days as a recluse; he pur- 
chased Huckle's fields in the twenties and built a rustic 
cabin on it, planting cherry trees as an acquisition he 
thought to the chestnut grove that surrounded the field; 
here he dwelt for sometime, carrying his meals from the 
College or walking there to eat them as best suited him. 
Whether he died there or was taken in at the College be- 
fore that solemn moment came I am not prepared to say; 
he is buried in the cemetery on the hill, and no man at this 
day knows the place of his burial. 

There scattered around the foundation lie the stones upon 
which rested the structure that sheltered Rev. Gillmyer; a 
chimney stood as a monument to his strange ways; for fifty 
years after his death the cherry trees had grown to immense 
proportions, and the people gathered the fruit. Fifty years 
after the planter changed his habitation from the mortal to 
the immortal; the land was inherited by Mr. James Storm's 
wife who was a sister of the hermit priest. Later it passed 
into other hands, yet never changing its name, like his 
neighbor, Samuel Carrick, after whom the knob was called. 
Huckle's fields will remain as the name for this spot until 
realities shall fade away, and there will be neither objects 
nor time to speak of or reckon. Is there nothing in a name? 
how about Carrick knob and Huckle's fields. Yes, and 
Emmitsburg. 



110 
TABLETS. 

Erected by the Army Association on east and west side 
of Fountain, an iron tablet marked Army of Potomac, July 
ist, 1863: 

First Corps marched from Marsh creek run. Eleventh 
corps from Emmitsburg to Gettysburg, Second Corps from 
Uniontown via Taneytown to near Gettysburg, third Corps 
from Bridgeport via Emmitsburg to the field at Gettysburg, 
Fifth Corps from Union Mills to Gettysburg, Twelfth Corps 
via Hanover and McSherrystown to Bonoughton, Sixth 
Corps from Manchester en route to Gettysburg, Twelfth 
Corps from Littlestown via Two Taverns to field at Gettys- 
burg, Second Cavalry Division marched from Washington 
to Hanover Junction, from whence the First and Third 
Brigade proceeded to Hanover Junction, while the Second 
Brigade returned to Manchester; Third Cavalry Division 
moved from Hanover via Abbotstown to Berlin, and the 
artillery reserve. First Regulars and Fourth Volunteer Bri- 
gades from Taneytown to near Gettysburg, the Vermont 
Brigade from the defence of Washington, joined the First 
Corps on the field at Gettysburg. 

Battle of Gettysburg, first day, and skirmishes at Car- 
lisle, Pa. 

ARMY OF POTOMAC, JULY 4, 1863. 

First and Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, 
marched from Westminster, and the Reserve Brigade, First 
Cavalry Division, from Gettysburg en route to Frederick, 
Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Division from Washing- 
ton, from Emmitsburg to Monterey; the Third Brigade, 
Second Cavalry, from Gettysburg to Hunterstown, and 
Third Cavalry Division from Emmitsburg to Monterey 
Gap, Pa., and skirmish at Fairfield, Pa., and near Emmits- 
burg. 

CORRECTION. 

The troop of horsemen was commanded by Capt. D 
Andrew Annan; ist lieutenant. Dr. Wm- Patterson; 2nd 
lieutenant, John Picking. J. W. Baugher made an effort 
to organize a second company aiid be its captain, in which 
he failed. 



DISAPPOINTED, OR, TfiE REgLUSE OF SUKKLE'S FIELD. 



Strange things happen, not in one State, county, city or 
town, but everywhere. Could we draw aside the curtain of 
many families or individuals, the things secreted and hid 
from view of the public would astonish us. There are sus- 
picions resting upon many; nothing more than a suspicion 
developes; pry into these secrets as much as we will, they 
remain secrets still. Although voluntarily at some future 
time these suspected confide the secret to others, secrets 
never intended to be made known. This will be the last 
act of John Hartel who appears as the leading character in 
this written drama. 

His parents nursed him carefully, educated him and pro- 
vided him with a competency, dying when he arrived at 
his majority; he entered the arena of pleasure, he sought 
the fountains that quenched his varied thirsts; he ran 
with the multitude that eagerly travelled from country to 
country until he had surfeit and became morose, and society 
lost sight of him. When his friends and companions asked 
for him, the answer was, John Hartel cannot be found. 
Thus time went on, until his name was mentioned no more; 
his gifts to charity were missed, his singing and laughing 
in the social circle and club, his genial manner and ready 
wit, all were a note that was sung; no echo, no response. 
Take notice, the scene changes from the metropolis to a 
rural one. One day there drove into the town of Emmits- 
burg, Maryland, a man of thirty, well groomed, his gen- 
eral appearance indicating his social standing, his compan- 
ion a man his senior, a different type, a business man, the 
driver a black man. Stopping over night at the Spangler 
hotel. In the morning they drove off, in the evening re- 
turning; this they kept up for days, when they disappeared 



112 

as suddenly as they came, leaving the people to wonder 
who they were and what their business was. 

In a few days two men, one heavy set the other rather 
taller than the ordinary man, and of slight build, both past 
middle life, came to Emmitsburg. After a few days spent 
walking around the town, they drove through the moun- 
tains and ascertained who owned Huckle's field, which 
they purchased, and proceeded to construct upon it a mod- 
ern residence of more than ordinary dimentions, having the 
material shipped by rail ready to put together. This to 
the mountain people was a suspicious movement for strang- 
ers to make such improvements on the mountain, as one 
said they can never get their money back. This was the 
way these people looked upon this enterprise; at length it 
was completed, when hands were employed to build a sub- 
stantial fence ten feet high, closely fitting, the boards re- 
sembling a stockade, after which trees were transplanted of 
size sufficient to shade the ground inside the fence, as close 
together as possible for growth, that they might interlap 
and make a dense obstruction that no outsiders, even though 
they had mounted a tree to peer in, would be disappointed 
and privacy maintained. The old field containing some 
thirty acres was cleared from brush and stone, and planted 
with the choicest fruits of every description, besides orna- 
mental trees and vines and several grottos, benches around 
some of the large trees, in different parts of the ground, all 
was complete by the first of October, wdien a car loaded 
with furniture, boxes, stoves and a great variety of articles 
sent to complete the arrangements; after all these had been 
taken to Huckle's field house and properly arranged by the 
men, the laborers were paid off" and dismissed; the curious 
could now give vent to any and every kind of surmising as 
to who would live here and why all this secrecy; up to this 
time these two men divulged nothing. A few old women 
of the neighborhood neglected their home work to watch 
and see who came; some peeped in through the little shute 
expecting to see something out of the ordinary; they won- 
dered and wondered. One said she heard it was to be a 



113 

convent, one a place to keep rich people's -crazy folks, one 
sprightly old maid said, it was an old maid's home and she 
would try to get into it. The interior of the house was in 
keeping with the outside; every convenience architecture 
could plan, every comfort expense could divise, every 
pleasure art and music could supply, and all delicacies the 
markets have for the taste are here in abundance; the cu- 
riosity of the men who helped to haul the goods and arrange 
the furniture, their surprise at the large library and astro- 
nomical instruments was such as to excite them, that they 
lingered around just to get a peep through the gate; a week 
afterward all arrangements were now complete. One night 
the people living along the road leading to the new secluded 
house heard a vehicle passing by; wondering what was 
passing, they came to their door to see a carriage pass closed 
tightly. It came from Thurmont, going to Huckle's field, 
and returning, when they arrived at the gate, dark as it was, 
after the occupants had entered the gate, the driver was 
blindfolded, it was closed, and the driver was set free, driving 
away under secrecy to tell it to no one. The occupants of 
the carriage were a black man and his wife and John Hartel. 
This the world outside the inclosure knew not; even the 
men who built the house and planted the trees knew not, 
nor who it was for, as an agent had employed them to do 
the work. The mail for this occupant was delivered by a 
special carrier employed by these men from Emmitsburg, 
and passed through the tube in the gate into a box on the 
inside; the only address on the letters or papers, Huckle's 
field. Now this place receives its share of criticism from 
the whole county around, for all are on tip-toe of expecta- 
tion to know what it all means; so much secrecy about this 
place, it spreads until persons from all over the county know 
of it. Yes, and in Baltimore, as one of the leading papers 
sent a special reporter to write it up for the Sunday paper 
with a kodack to get photographs of this wonderful place 
and surroundings; the various papers have written articles 
of interest for the curious except the Chronicle^ whose en- 
ire space is taken up with foreign correspondence. 



114 

The neigbors are interrogated for information; they have 
none to give; they are no wiser than the people far away. 
What transpires inside is a conundrum outside. Let us 
peep over the wall and take a bird's eye view; such infor- 
mation is not denied; books, magazines, daily papers, these 
the postman delivers daily. 

John Hartel's time is spent perusing these; to divert 
himself he uses his telescope by day and night; he is not 
lonely; he spends his time either in his library or walking 
through his beautiful grounds. The approaching winter 
adds new beauties to the foliage, and the cool breeze calls 
forth the warmer apparel, the fires are lighted and John 
Hartel prepares to enjoy the comforts of winter in his new 
home in solitude, far surpassing that of the gaity in social 
life; thus the winter passed away. In all this time none 
have seen the occupant of Huckle's field ; now that the first 
flush of excitement is over, of the stranger in his strange 
abode, he can venture forth and ramble over the hills, which 
he gladly does as the spring opens, wearing the garb of a 
workman, carrying his gun. He goes to the neighboring 
towns; he is not known nor suspected, he sits around the stores 
and hears the people talk of himself and his beautiful home 
at Huckle's field, hears speculations and small talk of all 
kinds, arguments on tariff, expansion, the financial ques- 
tion discussed, Christian and missionary work, weddings 
and funerals, and sees a few well developed graduates from 
the saloons as they perambulate the streets; the only per- 
son known to the community belonging to the Huckle's 
field mansion was the black man, who attends to hauling 
the boxes, provisions, &c. , from the station ; the black man 
is questioned again and again, but all to no purpose; he 
answers not; this makes things more mysterious to the 
people; he says he is a servant to obey. Upon one occasion 
during the month of May a gang of tramps were seated 
along the roadside near Toms Creek bridge awaiting the 
ringing of the supper bell at the convent. When John 
Hartel in disguise passed by he looked neither to the right 
nor to the left, but kept straight on. One of these tramps 



115 

noticed his walk, his size, and thought he had seen the man 
before, not observing his face passed it off, as many men 
look and walk alike. This tramp has a history to be told 
later on, full of pathos. Still he concluded to follow the 
man that passed on toward town, and see if possible his 
face; leaving his companions of the road he hastened on in 
the same direction ; when he came to Emmitsburg he found 
the man seated on a box in front of J. A. Helman's store; 
he passed him to get a good look at his face, then concluded 
it was John Hartel, an old companion in the social circle in 
the city; he returnd and asked him for tobacco, to hear his 
voice, when he answered he was convinced he was the 
man; he knew a cloud was over him, like himself, there- 
fore he would watch him, and ascertain where he lived be- 
fore making himself known; he asked different persons who 
that man was, none knew him, but supposed he was a 
laborer at one of the institutions, or perhaps on some farm; 
later as he returned to his home, this tramp followed within 
sight; he saw him turn off the pike below the College; fol- 
lowing to the secluded abode he meditated what course to 
pursue. Once he and John were companions; I know this 
is he; he will not know me, to expose him I cannot; I will 
lurk in the vicinity and watch. If opportunity is given to 
reveal myself to him I will gladly renew old acquaintance; 
if not, I will go and all will remain as heretofore; the secret 
will remain in my breast. Let me see; did John Hartel 
marry or not? no, they had a break. She was rich like 
himself and everybody supposed it would be a match, but 
he had trouble, so had she; they met at Venice and boated 
together. I heard that was the last time they were seen 
together; he left her with her parents and immediately re- 
turned to London, where he had his letters of credit; set- 
tling up he took the first steamer for home. I was told he 
was infatuated with a black-eyed Italian lady, that she was 
of royal blood; this the American lady heard, and the boat 
ride gave her an opportunity to take him to task; he re- 
lieved her mind by saying, I am not engaged to you, you 
are a little premature in your conclusions; if I am a free- 
man let me act as such; to this she replied, take me back 
to my parents, which he did. 



116 

She developed into a morose, silent woman, from which 
she refused to be rallied. Upon her return home she sought 
a location on the mountain at Emmitsburg, Md., to spend 
her life as a recluse. 

Whilst touring in the old world, Mary Whittier visited 
the garden of the old convent of Mar Elias; perched on the 
summit of a rocky spur of Lebanon overlooking the sea, 
about eight miles from Sidon, may be seen the humble 
tomb, now almost obliterated, of Lady Hester Stanhope, 
who died and was buried in this lonely spot, Sunday, June 
23rd, 1839. A volume might be written on the life and 
adventures of this beautiful, talented but eccentric woman, 
the eldest daughter of Lord Stanhope, niece of Wni. Pitt, 
whom she served as private secretary. After his death she 
visited the different countries of Europe, and finally left 
her native land, taking up her abode among the wild Arabs 
of the desert; no reason was given for this romantic turn 
after her life at court, save that it arose from disappointed 
affection. She greatly admired Sir John Moore, one of the 
bravest generals in the English army, who fell in Spain in 
1809. This accounts for the fact she never married. The 
Pasha of Sidon conveyed to her the old deserted convent of 
Elijah, high up on Lebanon, which she fortified as a castle; 
her wealth she distributed with a liberal hand; it made her 
many friends, and enabled her to keep up the appearance 
of royalty. Adopting the habits of the Arabs among whom 
she lived, her manner of life and romantic style gave her 
unbounded influence over the whole land, so that she was 
virtually queen of Palmyra and as famous amongst the 
desert tribes as Zenobia of old; for thirty years this highly 
cultured woman led this romantic life, self-exiled from her 
home and all her family. Among these cliffs, like an eagle 
in her nest, she live and died, and was buried alone in her 
glory, none but a few servants being present at her funeral. 

How singular the coincidence connected with her death 
and that of her early love, both died in foreign lands, but 
far removed from each other; both buried by strangers in 
the gloom of midnight, both laid to rest wrapped in 



117 

the folds of their national flag; no relatives being present 
to drop a tear upon their graves. What a death, without a 
friend, male or female; alone on the top of the bleak moun- 
tains, her lamp of life grew dimmer and more dim, until it 
went out. Such was the end of the once gay and brilliant 
niece of Pitt, the great master of Europe. 

After studying the proud, gay and attractive life of Lady 
Stanhope, Mary Whittier concluded to purchase the top of 
Carrick's Knob, and so far as practicable follow in her foot- 
steps; building a mansion on its peak, she could feast her 
eyes on the landscape below, and bestow favors upon the 
poor of all the mountain with a lavish hand. So infatu- 
ated was she with her plan she erected her tomb and wrote 
her own epitaph, desiring to set up a motto to govern her 
during her life and be an incentive for others to follow 
after her death. She remembered Helen Hunt Jackson, 
the authoress, whose tomb is on the mountain top above 
Colorado Springs, and gladly did she adopt this mountain 
as her home and for her last resting place; here she enjoys 
the benefit of civilization on the one side, with culture 
combined, and sees degradation that needs assistance to 
raise it up, all around her; with an open hand she distrib- 
utes from her abundance, until she, like Lady Stanhope, 
has these mountaineers her fast friends. The pathway to 
her house is dotted with here and there a traveler in all 
seasons of the year. 

After this episode at Venice, John Hartel returned to 
America. So stung with the sequel of that little tiff on the 
boat, for he thought of none but Miss MoUie Whittier, he 
sought for information and found the course she has pur- 
sued, he, through remorse, has pursued this course, he has 
taken, for I am pursuaded that is he, has become a recluse, 
because she has gone from the world into a recluseship. 
That accounts for his selecting the present sight for his 
residence, from the observatory of which he can see the 
house on Carrick Knob. This was told me when I had 
means and mingled with society folks. They have their 
gossip as well as others. Since I am a beggar, and have 



118 

nothing, I am an outcast indeed. If I can, without dam- 
age in anyway to John Hartel, insinuate myself into his 
good graces, I will do so honorably. Some think tramps 
have no honor. I am poor because I lived to fast, and my 
parents drove me off, but honor they did not deprive me oi 
when they closed their door against me. 

I was a student at Mt. St. Mary's College for six years, 
and these hills and hollows are familiar to me, as to the 
natives, Toms creek, how we used to swim in the old 
swimming hole and skate on the Sisters dam; Carrick's 
Knob, Indian Look Out, when each year we planted a pole 
putting a flag on top, how familiar the scenes; old places to 
me, the old professors, the Clairvoix boarding house; why 
I am at home as to the scenes around me. I knew many 
of the older people, old Leo, the cook, and Leo, the shakey, 
the small man with the big head; I wonder whether they 
still live. It is no disgrace to be poor, but to beg it cer- 
tainly is. I have concluded a course to pursue, I will 
notice the postman, put the mail through the tube in the 
gate; I will write a note and do the same. If when I tell 
him who I am, and he sees fit to disregard me, I will go 
away and keep my lips closed. If he deigns to meet me, 
I will be glad to meet him anywhere, if only to talk for a 
minute. I feel as though some fate has brought me to this 
spot, and for such a time. 

Going to the College I asked for something to eat; I then 
asked for paper and envelope. *'Do you wish to write a 
letter?" the reverend in the office asked me, I replied, yes. 
He invited me into the office, how glad was I to get a 
glimpse of the interior of that little white building, where 
I had often in my boyhood gone during the days of the 
good president, who is now dead; it brought back the 
golden age to my mind, and I wept, to think from what I 
had fallen. This was observed by the good father, who 
was seated at his desk opposite, he said to me, "You a]> 
pear affected from some cause, what is it ?" I replied that 
the truth is mighty, also as said, murder will out. My 
boyhood here, I referred him to the College record as a 



119 

proof of my being a graduate of the institution. He took 
compassion on me and lectured me as to my course; I felt 
the reproof, and then and there resolved to renounce my 
past ways, asking him to help me carry out my resolutions, 
he called a young man who took me to the bath-room. 
When I took a bath he supplied me with a suit of clothes 
from head to foot, and invited me to remain at the institu- 
tion until they could find something for me to do, or get 
me a place elsewhere. I sat down to write the letter, when 
my mind became confused with the thoughts of the good 
luck that had befallen me, that I postponed writing for the 
present. "Are your parents living?" he asked. I think 
so, I replied. "Let me write to them for you," said the 
reverened, to which I willingly agreed. Later in the day I 
succeeded in writing the following to John Hartel. 

"I am James Dillinger; I am the tramp that asked you 
for tobacco in Emmitsburg, as you sat on the store box in 
front of a store. You need not fear; I still have honor. If 
you wish to speak to me it will be in confidence, if not I 
will go away, and the secrecy you wish about yourself will 
remain as you have desired, but if you wish to renew ac- 
quaintance I will be outside the College gate at the pike at 
six o'clock tomorrow evening. The clothes I now wear 
were given me by the institution; I have turned from the 
tramp to the gentleman and will continue. Yours, 

James Dillinger." 

In answer to the letter written to John Dillinger's father 
came an urgent request for him to return to his father's 
house, as they have been advertising for him for years; 
they concluded he was dead. Now the Rev. Father is re- 
quested to supply him the necessary funds to travel to New 
York, and delay not to send him at once. The engage- 
ment Dillinger has made to be at the gate to meet John 
Hartel interferes with his going today. What shall he do, 
he considers, he may not get back again; having came 
so near a reunion of an old friendship he could not think 
of breaking off his engagement. He wrote his father he 
would be on in a few days. Oh, these days of suspense to 



120 



an old father and mother whose lost boy was found, to 
think of that long lost son returning in a few days, he has 
wondered these twelve years; no tidings from him; how 
their hearts are rejoicing over the prospects before them. 

At 6 o'clock in the evening Dillinger stands at the gate 
on the pike, looking down the road, the minutes fly fast. 
No Hartel in sight, perhaps his watch is not with the Col- 
lege clock, allowances must be made always, not in time- 
pieces only but in people. John was a prompt man in 
youth, he may by his life alone have changed; have I 
changed, conscience speak; a tramp yesterday, a citizen in 
intention today, going home in my right mind, a determi- 
nation to live a changed life. There comes a man is that 
he.-* presently he came near enough to distinguish, it is a 
black man; when he gets to the gate he asks, can you tell 
me where Mr. James Dillinger is? I am he; what is your 
business, are you from Ruckle's field ? "I am, " he replied; 
he then drew from his pocket a package; I opened it and 
found it contained a sealed book with these words written 
on it: "Break the seals, read carefully, then act accord- 
ingly." I broke the seal and stepped back to a seat on the 
terrace, saying to the black man, "Wait for an answer;" 
the first page read, Mollie the last Whittier; then I cut the 
strings that held the body of the book together and read: 
At eight o'clock tonight come to the tube and drop this 
book in; I will open the gate for you; let no one see you; 
the black man will be in bed. At eight o'clock I was there, 
into the tube I passed the book; I heard a bolt drawn and 
John Hartel stood before me ; ' 'step in, old comrade, ' ' said he 
(what a welcome thought I, compared to the manv rebuflfs 
I met as a man on the road); I passed in, the gate closed, 
the bolt fastened and we stood face to face; "come this way'' 
said he, and he led me to a grotto from which no sound 
could reach the house, then he said, "Jim how is this, such 
peculiar circumstances, this secrecy compared to the bril- 
liant lighted hall and the dance." I replied, "John how 
IS It you are here in the bushes?" "Well," said he, "it 
would take weeks to tell all that has passed through' my 



121 



aT 1^T r^""" '° '''^' ' ^^y " ^"" ''••k- ^--eks to tell 
all that has happened since last we- met, bnt snffice it to 
ay, I was a fool, and this is the result. Tell me yo''r 1 is 
tory, Jim, and then I will tell mine." 
I replied, I must leave tomorrow for New York- I have 

Toh IT' ' :-","^ *"^' ="' "^-hich I relate : 
John, and the particulars of the Rev. Father- then I con, 
menced my story as follows. When I returned tm r" n" 

aonc?'V';l"rr'f^' ''"<' ■'«=""»-' intobns^: 
at once. I thought otherwise, as six years pent up life 

ought to have one of recreation, at the end of which I po 

posed to engage in some calling; he consented, and suppM 

me with means, and I took a trip around the ^orld I went 

the ocean to Europe, and all over the East. When I re- 
toned home I had spent all he gave me and had drawn on 

I arrtd re '"r' '"°"- ' ^"""^'^ ^"<' '-'- ' <•-'" 

dis. ted h f f." °" "'^ *■""" ""^ ^''°"- H^ ^vas s^ 

disgusted he told me to try the world without money. This 

^knew meant eave, for I knew him to be a man of iron 

will. I sought employment, what could I do> If I ob 

tained a position it was but for a short time, as I was not 

and did »:"'' "r'- ' '"'''" "^y '""' °f 1-k to California, 
and did any and everything I could find to do, when I en- 
weft on" f"T "' ' '°"''°y' ""' '"''"^ I^"' °f ^'i. «"^ 

tT^i r fj y""'- ^ ^""^ '■""'•^ '° ^^'»™. when I 

thought of the good home and none to share it, as was the 
on^- child, I returned. When I entered the house'ey 
could see no return for the care and expenditure on me 
After a few days resting my father said, "James, what have 
you m view ?•• Nothing, said I. "Well the world i be! 
fore you said he. " I knew what that meant, and I le the 
house and took to the road. The last twe ve vears have 
been years of a living death. I pity any man that h J ef 
his home for the road, and here I can assure you, there are 
thousands who are tramping that had they like mvse f 

tZl T fT" """»' ^'"'^ "^ °™-"entst their fami y 
instead of disgracing them. They now want me to come 



122 

home, and I am going. I have tramped from State to 
State, north and south; I have seen the country. But oh, 
the remorse that this heart has endured, I cannot tell, I did 
not wish suicide as many do, nor to be placed on a desect- 
ing table, or buried in a potter's field. Oh, no, yet I did 
not know what was before me; I did know there was a good 
home I had deserted by not taking a father's good advice. 
There are many men competent to teach, to transact busi- 
ness of all kinds, on the road. There is a facination about 
it, especially to those who are friendless and homeless. 
The variety, sometimes well clothed and fed, other times 
hungry and almost naked. In some sections people will 
feed us, in others deny everything; taking it altogether it 
compares favorably with all callings in life- 

"Jim," said John Hartel, "you know how I was left, 
plenty, to come and go, engage in any business at my 
pleasure. Mary and I were children together, and by com- 
mon consent the parents on both sides were satisfied that 
we marry. She received a fine education, was a musician 
of high order. I received, as you know, high honors at 
Yale. We both traveled a great deal. I knew she was in 
Europe and corresponded with her. My parents died 
within six months unexpectedly. I concluded to follow 
her to Europe; if possible overtake her, and return home 
together. I found her at Venice and gave her every atten- 
tion, intending to return home on the same boat, and if 
agreeable marry after we came to New York, as I was alone 
and did not wish to dispose of the home property. 

On my outgoing steamer I met an Italian gentleman and 
his daughter going home; she had just graduted at Holy- 
oke; she was a lady of finished education; we became com- 
panionable, the father included. On the steamer some 
friends who knew us both, and knew the relations between 
us, met Mary before I got to Venice; they met her at Ver- 
sales, and told her of my attentions to this Italian lady, had 
they told the truth, but no, it was exaggerated. I thought 
when I first met her, she had cooled somewhat, or perhaps 
had become interested in another; she was not as genial as 



123 

heretofore, but somewhat reserved. I engaged a dongola, 
beautiful it carried itself, like 9 duck on the water; the 
oarsman could neither speak lot understand English. 
Scarcely had we started when she spoke of the black-eyed 
Italian girl; I did not attempt to explain, here was my mis- 
take; that was the end of an anticipated life. I returned 
home, arranged my affairs to live a life of ease and pleasure, 
which I did for years; I banished woman from my thought, 
I avoided every opportunity of meeting her or her family. 
A few years ago I was informed by Martha Gardner, a 
cousin of Mary Whittier, she had purchased a mountain 
peak at Emmitsburg, Md. ; this aroused my sympathies- I 
concluded as I could not follow her to the different places 
to which she travelled, but I could erect on this mountain 
a house, where I could be satisfied to live a recluse, from 
the observatory of which I could see the house that had 
within its walls the person that was all to me, that she was 
safely housed, and it might be my good luck some day to 
get a glimpse of her in her snow white garb. I put talent 
on the road to observe, had ladies to search for her where- 
abouts to be sure I was right before I took this course. I 
did hope it was not true and a reconciliation would ensue. 
At last I ascertained it was true; she was over there, as he 
pointed in the direction of the Cliff House, for that reason 
I am here, not that I wish her to know me, far from it. I 
wish her to live and die keeping her individuality. 

Thus the night was spent in conversation until early 
dawn. Dillinger left Huckle's field promising to return 
at sometime to visit John Hartel, but always to observe 
secrecy, that his friends may be ignorant of him. Dillinger 
returned home to find his parents old and feeble, this time 
they were glad to receive him, he is another man, he re- 
mains at home to comfort them; in less than one year both 
pass away; he the only heir to an estate, the income of 
which yields him a sufficiency; he remembers when a 
young man, the lady who clung to him as a school boy, a 
young man and enjoyed his vacation with him, whose let- 
ters he gladly replied to when at College, who he forsook 
in his rioutous life, keeping her in ignorance of it all; to 
his delight she was still a maid, not having sought the 
company of another since he disappointed her; he finds her. 



124 



his homestead, th^hl wroteTo W„^l-f T'!!?'"- ^'«'"S '" 

Hartel he would vLsit ETmit^L^g w tVhil'brid ' h^ J"'" 
ing summer. ^ ^ Dnde the com- 

bright light a. niglri ghTJd ■.^S':ceMe"ne''"'"''"^-^ "^ 
.mpressive appearance none others fa^vl If. f' " ^° 
pie delight to stand and craze at it. hrfiif' ""^ ''^''■° P*°- 
looks more like a licrht afse! TnlrH ."?-'' ^' "'^ ^°°^ 
house at Hnckle's fie d and see tie flas^fcH "f: '" '" ^'' 
trates the darkness, and wonder at the 1,'^^^' ^ " r*"^" 
fined, educated and social bein J. U ' HP'^ity of two re- 
in >outh, who in the matu?«°neriod'„V r? T? ''''g'"«' 
unwisely. James Dill"ger a^d'^h wife vi^'t f'" '"!'' ^ 
after a few davs snenr ;„ ,„„ i, • ■ , '^" Emmitsburg; 

ing him he had vfsked the CHffH ■''■'''' 1°^'' "^rt^'- '^l'- 
-Mlr^• Whittier he told of Si^ r Tr ^"'^ conversed with 

eTceedin'g^ astnTh d^.^^^amTer'e'fo'rX'' '""^^"^ ^^ 
IS there, to avoid the world ?J,;c ^ ^""^ ^^^^°n he 

That night the bulldln'g^ttre 'a bTn ?^ "o^h' '°^ ""''''^ 
to tell of his mansion but the foundat on T^'^? '^"^^'^f 

where he di/rl fT.. a • ^ ^ ^^^""^ ^" ^he Holv Land 
taoiet with this inscription- "T iff>'c fi»-f„i ^ ''^'-'•'"o ^ 

was buVied in h^? seleted'^omb '"'' ^' '""'" ''>'"- *^ - 
,n?f "'"J" "'^'ig'-'ning flash centered on the Cliff House ' 

rick.: s.^"srj^,it;'^ i';rd'sr^- °' "-^ p''""^^^- 

was tl/e^nt'^'d^a^a'tc'^hraS" <'-PP-""-" "-" < 



